ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Healthcare professionals may not all have the necessary qualifications to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper screening. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication could aid. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can get an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions regarding the long-term use of powerful medications being given out by doctors, and a lack of proper treatment and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD consider a different GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website that gives tips about doing this and templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric treatment can provide the fastest and most qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The price can range from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds and offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also assess for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug and therefore subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will make diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students, and it is an integral part in the training of doctors working in all fields of medicine. The term is often utilized in medical journals and in articles about health care.
There are many ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. A private psychiatrist can perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a faster more efficient, professional and more thorough process. They are also more aware of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
Once you have been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This could include medications or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to choose the treatment option that best suits your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to seek treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA, as it helps people with disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD Be aware that they are class B drugs, which could lead to addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are a number of things to take into account, and the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded which means it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to bring your symptoms with you to the assessment and try to be as objective as you can when you describe them.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD The first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get diagnosed. It's not an easy procedure, but it's essential to remember that ADHD isn't a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is important to understand that the right treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of private adhd assessment near me life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed history as well as a review of your current symptoms, and analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD among adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator may also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions, which can often have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, at work or school. This is so that the evaluator will be able to determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that contributes to your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete the doctor will discuss medication options with you If you are thinking about them. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your clinician, he or she will draft a document known as a Shared care agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Before you take an individual diagnosis, it is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their procedures. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to match within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health practitioner you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. Once your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting time on this website before you decide to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began when you GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's worth noting that the NHS currently does not offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed with this method, you may still not be able access the medication that you require.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable and quick diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It is important to remember 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 an offense of a criminal nature while taking these medicines you could be subject to an extensive fine or even jail time.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be entitled to disability benefits in the form of Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance dependent on the severity of your condition. You will also need to submit a letter from the provider to prove this, as well as a copy of your records.