ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. Healthcare professionals may not all have the qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs frequently without proper checks. We conducted an undercover investigation to learn more.
What is an assessment?
cost of private adhd assessment will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and whether medications can aid you. You will need to bring details of your symptoms and any problems 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 prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. An assessment typically involves a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. GPs must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. However, the system is not without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about your GP's views on ADHD, try another GP. On the Psychiatry UK website, you will find a resource that includes templates and guidelines for making your request.
Private psychiatric services provide a much speedier and more expert diagnosis, especially in London. The price ranges from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide an individual treatment plan, particularly if you're educated or have a thriving career. They can also test for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your daily life and how they've affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term used to describe an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually supported by a treatment program. The diagnosis is a key part of the curriculum of medical students, and it plays a significant role in the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word "diagnosis" and is often included in periodicals about health care.
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker, more professional and more thorough process. They are also aware of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This may include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide if you want to take up the option that best meets your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to seek treatment for your ADHD The diagnosis can aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you are thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that they are class B drugs, which mean that they can potentially cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a number of things to take into account and the NHS system is often over stressed and under-funded and it is very easy for GPs and other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. It is helpful to take your list of symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when you describe them.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
Your child or you might have ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to seek an diagnosis. 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 important to understand that the right treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To identify you an expert will typically evaluate you by an extensive history and discussion about your current symptoms, and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnose.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests in order to rule out 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 assessment it is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact you at work, home or at school. This is so that the examiner can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed your doctor will go over the options for medication with you in the event that you are considering these. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medication, however they can offer other kinds of mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get an appointment, your therapist will draft a document for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines the type of treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations of professionals with expertise in ADHD evaluations of adults is a good idea prior to taking an individual assessment. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and find out more about their procedures. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to be matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.
Can I receive an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health practitioner you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' when your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before you decide to go 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 first started. This will help your provider better comprehend your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
You can learn more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS is currently not offering the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Even if you're diagnosed using this method, you may not be able to access the medication that you require.
There are many alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer affordable, quick diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to note that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are therefore subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a criminal offence while taking these medicines you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for benefits for disabled people, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the severity. You'll need to provide an official letter from your doctor to prove this, along with an original copy of your medical records.