ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. Healthcare professionals may not all are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper examinations. We delved into the dark to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and if medication can aid you. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to note notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is so they can recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. However the system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this and templates for letters that you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most expert diagnosis, especially in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also screen for and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression, that are often found along with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for 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 previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term used to identify the cause of a condition, injury or condition. A doctor will make a diagnosis and often accompany it with an action plan. The diagnosis is an essential component of the curriculum of medical students and is an integral part in the education of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the term "diagnosis" and it is often included in periodicals about health care.
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. private adhd assessment london can also provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker more efficient, professional and more thorough process. They are also more aware of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you've been diagnosed. This can include medications, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
In addition to allowing you to seek treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is crucial because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to do.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your doctor may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and stressful process. There are many factors to consider and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. It is helpful to bring a list of your symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as you can when explaining them.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child could have ADHD, the first step in gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It can be a difficult process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD is not an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also important to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed medical history and a detailed review of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to identify ADHD among adults. They'll then apply the criteria set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the evaluator may want to carry out cognitive tests or medical examinations to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizures, which typically exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential to be open about your symptoms, and how they impact you at home, work, or at school. This is so that the evaluator can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your clinician will discuss it once the evaluation is completed. 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 who will draft a document known as a Shared Care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you make an individual diagnosis, it is recommended to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and find out more about their methods. BetterHelp also offers a 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 choose your mental health provider for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). Contacting the provider directly will enable you to determine if they have agreements with NHS. You can also find the waiting time on this website before you decide to go 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 allow your doctor to better comprehend 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. The NHS does not currently provide a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. If you're diagnosed using this route, you may 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 offering affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences 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 the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a criminal offence while taking these drugs you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll need an official letter from your doctor that proves this, along with the medical records.