ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients 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 meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication could help. You’ll be asked to bring details of your symptoms and any problems they are causing. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then remember them. A psychiatrist will typically spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two main ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. GPs must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you for an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC’s Panorama programme raised questions about long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and the lack of proper treatment and consideration given to patients’ medical history.
If you are concerned about your GP’s attitude to ADHD, try another GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site there is templates and tips to make your request.
private adult adhd assessment uk psychiatric services offer an accelerated and professional diagnosis, particularly in London. The price ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you’re highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and assist with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have had an impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They require prescription from an experienced psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term that means the identification of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will provide an assessment and usually accompany it with an action plan. The diagnosis is an essential element of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word and it is frequently 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 ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another option is to seek an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide the most rapid, professional and understanding process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
Once you have been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide if you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA because it aids those with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you’re thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs which mean that they can potentially lead to addiction. If you’re worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
It can be difficult and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are a number of things to take into account as well as the NHS system is often overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the examination, and try to be objective when describing your symptoms.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child might have ADHD, the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt life is getting diagnosed. It’s not an easy process, but it’s important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is crucial to realize that the right treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually examine you with a combination of a detailed background and discussion of your current symptoms, as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been created to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator may be required to conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to rule out any underlying reasons for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, at work or school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that contributes to your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete your doctor will go over medication options with you if you are considering these. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication, but they can do other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies the type of treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you take a private diagnosis It is recommended to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online adhd assessment for adults about providers in your locality and learn more about their methods. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp’s user-friendly service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD assessment if you’re an active member of the military service. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time care, adult ADHD assessment or something called a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will allow you to find out if they are covered by agreements with NHS. You can also look up the waiting time on this website before you decide to go with a particular provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began when your 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. It’s important to answer these honestly and clearly.
You can learn more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn’t provide an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed with this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication that you need.
There are many alternative routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC’s Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences if you’re trying to claim 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 the category of Class B drugs and are therefore subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you’re convicted of committing an offence of criminal intent when you’re taking these medications, you could face an extensive fine or even jail time.
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 Attendance Allowance or Income Support according to the severity of your condition. You’ll also have to provide a letter from the healthcare provider that proves this, along with an official copy of your documents.