ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are trained to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs frequently without proper examinations. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment of a project?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication might aid. You will need to provide details of your symptoms and any issues that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms before their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. An assessment usually requires a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. The system is not without problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time, and not taking into consideration the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK, you will find templates and tips to submit your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is faster and more professional, particularly in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also screen for and assist with any co-morbidities often associated with ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a condition, disease or injury. A doctor will issue an assessment and usually accompany it with an action plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral component of the education of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word "diagnosis" and is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another way is to get an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide an accelerated, more professional and understanding process. They also be more aware of the other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can choose which treatment option best suits your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to seek treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA as it assists people who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate for treating your ADHD, know that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a myriad of factors to take into account and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs, and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any potential diagnosis. It can be helpful to bring your list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as possible when explaining the symptoms.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD The first step to gain control over symptoms that can cause disruption to your life is to get an diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it's essential to realize that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or insufficiency; it is a normal neurological condition. It is important to understand that the right treatment will help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To determine your condition an expert will typically evaluate you by the combination of a thorough history and discussion about your current symptoms, and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator may be required to conduct cognitive tests or medical examinations to determine if there are any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things such as thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the examination, it is important that you are honest about your issues, and how they affect more info you at work, home or school. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete your doctor will go over your options regarding medication if you are considering them. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medications, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you do opt to get a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you'll be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you take an individual diagnosis, it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also look online for reviews of the providers in your area, and read about the various approaches they use. You can also try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get the right therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health professional you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to confirm that your GP accepts either full care or a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can find the waiting times of the providers on this site.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the time they began in the event that you GP recommends an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This is to assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website on the NHS website, you can read more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently provide the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Even if you are diagnosed using this route, you might still not be able access the medication you require.
There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These practices could have serious repercussions for instance, if you are trying to claim benefits like the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It is important to remember that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a crime when you are taking these drugs, you may face a large fine or even imprisonment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You'll also have to submit a letter from the healthcare provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical record.