ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing drugs with no proper examinations. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can help. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked questions about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and a lack of proper treatment and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD consider a different GP. There is a good 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 services are faster and more professional, especially in London. The price ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and are able to provide an individualized treatment plan especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
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 show six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can 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 diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term that refers to the diagnosis of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential element of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part in the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the term "diagnosis" and it is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are many ways to obtain 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 option is to seek a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a faster, more professional, and more understanding process. They are also more aware of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
After you have received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to choose the option that best meets your needs.
In addition to allowing you to receive treatment for your ADHD The diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it helps with day-to-day activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are many factors to consider and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs, and other health professionals to dismiss or deflect any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can affect your life is to seek an assessment. It's a difficult process, but it's essential to realize that the condition is not a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is simply a neurobiological issue. It is also vital to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually examine you with a combination of a detailed history and discussion about your current symptoms and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales 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 determine a reliable diagnose.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the evaluator might be required to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the examination, it is crucial to be open about your symptoms and how they impact you at work, home or school. This will enable the examiner to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing condition that is causing your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed your doctor will go over medication options with you if you are considering these. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medications, but they can do other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to go for a prescription, your doctor will draft a document for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals who have expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a great idea prior to undergoing a private assessment. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their methods. 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?
You have the right to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you are an active member of the military service. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they have contracts with NHS. You can find the waiting times of the providers on this site.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including when they began when you GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This is to help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS is currently not offering the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Even if you're diagnosed with this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication that you require.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of ADHD. private adhd assessment for adults could be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are classified as Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing an offense when you are taking these drugs, you could face a large fine, or even a prison sentence.
In addition to the above If you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be entitled to disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance and/or Income Support dependent on the severity of your condition. You will need to supply the letter from your healthcare provider that proves this, along with the medical records.