ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper tests. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication might aid. You'll need to bring details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will be asked questions about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down their 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.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. However the system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors and a lack of proper care and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD, try another GP. On private adhd assessment of Psychiatry-UK, you will find an aid that contains templates and suggestions for making your request.
Private psychiatric services offer an accelerated and expert diagnosis, especially in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen and assist with co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are typically found along with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug and therefore is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They require prescription from a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A doctor will provide a diagnosis and often accompany it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential part of the curriculum of medical students, and it is an integral part in the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals as well as in articles about health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can also perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide the most rapid, professional and a more thorough process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This may include medication such as cognitive behavioural 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 needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA, as it helps those with disabilities and illnesses in their daily routine.
If you're thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD Be aware that they are class B drugs, which means that they could cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that doesn't 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, making it easy for GPs, and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the examination and be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD The first step in gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get a diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is crucial to recognize that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or insufficiency; it is simply a neurobiological condition. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of 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 analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify 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 diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator might want to carry out cognitive tests or medical examinations to determine if there are any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation it is crucial to be open about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or at work. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition which is contributing your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss the options for medication with you if you are considering these. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can do other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician and he or she will prepare paperwork called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you take a diagnosis that is private, it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of the providers in your area and read about the various methods they employ. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You have the right to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD assessment if you're a member of a military service. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept either full treatment or something called a 'shared care agreement' when the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can check the waiting times of providers on this website.
If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they started. This is to assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. If you're diagnosed using this method, you might not be in a position to get the medication you need.
There are a variety of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These methods could have serious repercussions for instance, the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to note that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offence when you are taking these drugs, you could face a large fine, or even a prison sentence.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also need to provide a written confirmation from the provider to prove this, as well as the copy of your medical documents.