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ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health exams. However, not all healthcare professionals are certified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication with no proper tests. We delved into the dark to learn more.
What is an assessment of the project?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can help. You'll need to bring details of your symptoms as well as any issues they are causing. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it beneficial to write notes of their symptoms prior to the appointment. This helps them recall their symptoms. A typical assessment involves a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. Doctors should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time, and not considering 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 is a good 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 a much speedier and more expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost can range from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can offer a tailored approach, especially in situations where you may be highly knowledgeable or have a successful job. They can also screen and help with co-morbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are frequently associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you of your options and the next steps. You may 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 are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will make a diagnosis and often accompany it with an action plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the course for medical students and is an integral component of the training of doctors who work in all areas of medicine. The term is frequently used in medical journals as well as in articles about health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another way is to get a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer a much quicker, more competent and knowledgeable process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This could include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option is most suitable for your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD be aware that these are class B substances which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist could refer you to a GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
It can be frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of 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 deflect any potential diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be honest when you describe your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
Your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to get an assessment. It's a difficult process, but it is important to understand that the disorder is not a sign of laziness or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurobiological issue. It is also important to realise that the right treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a thorough history, a review of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to detect ADHD among adults. They then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and people 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 could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms to here ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect you at work, home or school. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your doctor will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, but they can provide other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you will receive through the NHS and with whom.
Before you take a private diagnosis It is a good idea to consult your family and friends for recommendations of experts who have expertise in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area and read about the various approaches they use. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to be matched 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 the right to choose which mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. Once your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to confirm that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also find the waiting time on this website before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began when you GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This is to aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
On the NHS website on the NHS website, you can read more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's important to note that the NHS currently does not offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be in a position to get the medication you require.
There are many 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 those suffering from ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences for instance, when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B substances which means they are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offence of criminal intent when you're taking these medications, you could face an enormous fine and/or prison.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance depending on the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide the letter from your healthcare provider which proves this, along with an original copy of your medical records.