ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to determine ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper tests. We delved into the dark to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication could aid. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms before their appointment. This is so they can recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful medications for prolonged periods of time and not considering the medical background of patients.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry UK website which offers tips for doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The cost is ranging from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They are also able to screen and help with co-morbidities, like anxiety and depression which are frequently found along with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least six traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life 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 that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or 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, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the course for medical students and is an integral component of the education of doctors working in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often employ the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are many ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster, more professional, and more understanding process. They also tend to have a better understanding of the other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This can include medications, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your requirements.
In addition to enabling you to get treatment for your ADHD The diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is particularly important as it aids in daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to do.
If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate for treating your ADHD, know that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist click here could refer you to an GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment, and try to be objective when explaining your symptoms.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to gain control over symptoms that can disrupt your life is obtaining diagnosed. It's a challenging process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is essential to recognize that the right treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To diagnose you an expert will typically evaluate you by an extensive description of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnose.
The evaluator may also interview you and your family members, and could conduct cognitive tests or medical exams to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be open about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, work or school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that contributes to your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your clinician will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your physician who will create a form called a Shared care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations on professionals with expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a great idea before you go for an assessment in private. You can also read online reviews regarding the services in your area and learn more about their techniques. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to select your mental health professional for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' once your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before you decide to sign up with a specific provider.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they started. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about exercising Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently does not offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences for instance, when you attempt to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature when you're taking these medications you could be subject to a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You will also need to submit a letter from the provider to prove this, as well as the copy of your medical record.