ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health exams. Some healthcare professionals do not have the qualifications to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medications, often without proper checks. We went undercover in order to learn more.
What is an assessment of the project?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and if medication can aid you. You'll need to bring details of your symptoms and any problems that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms before their appointment. This is so they can recall their symptoms. An assessment usually involves a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. The GP must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for prolonged periods of time and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There's a helpful site on Psychiatry-UK which offers tips for doing this, as well as templates for letters that you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is quicker and more professional, particularly in London. The cost ranges between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds and offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're educated or have a thriving career. They can also assess for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which may involve stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They require prescription from a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe a disease, injury or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word and it is often utilized in periodicals on health care.
There are a number of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer the most rapid, competent and knowledgeable process. They are also more aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you've been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medications such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily routine.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist could refer you here to a GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are many aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is often over stressed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the examination, and try to be objective when describing your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that can affect your life is to get a diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it's essential to realize that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or a lack of intelligence. it is merely a neurobiological condition. It is also essential to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To diagnose you A professional will typically evaluate you by an extensive background and discussion of your current symptoms, as well as analysing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnose.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and could conduct medical or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important that you are honest about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work, or at school. This is so that the assessor can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking treatment, your physician will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you will receive on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations of experts with experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a great idea prior to taking an individual assessment. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and find out more about their techniques. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health practitioner you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time care, or something called a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will let you determine if they have agreements with NHS. You can also find waiting times on this website before you decide to sign up with a specific provider.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the time when they began. This will help your doctor better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
Find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's worth noting that the NHS currently doesn't provide the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Therefore, even if you're diagnosed using this method, you might not be able to access the medication you require.
There are a number of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer quick, cheap diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's important to know that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing a criminal offence while taking these medicines you could face an extensive fine or even jail time.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, based on the severity. You will need to supply an official letter from your doctor which proves this, as well as a copy of your medical records.