ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose the person who offers your specialized NHS mental health examinations. Healthcare professionals may not all have the necessary qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment of a project?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can help. You will need to bring details of your symptoms and any issues that they may be causing. You will be asked questions about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it beneficial to write notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. A psychiatrist will typically spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD consider 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 present your request.
Private psychiatric treatment is more efficient and professional, especially in London. The price can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and offer an individual approach, particularly when you are likely to be extremely skilled or successful in your career. They can also screen for and offer help with any co-morbidities typically associated with ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have impacted on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which may involve stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a disease, condition or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral element of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors working in all fields of medicine. The word is frequently utilized in medical journals and in articles on health care.
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can also provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer an accelerated, more professional and a more thorough process. They also tend to have a greater awareness of the other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
If you've been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medical treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to choose the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it assists with daily activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these drugs are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are many aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, which makes it easy for doctors and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any possible diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the appointment, and try to be objective when explaining your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that can affect your life is to get an assessment. It can be an emotional process, but it is essential to realize that ADHD isn't an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is simply a neurobiological issue. It is also vital to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
To identify you, a professional will usually assess you through a combination of a detailed description of your current symptoms, as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales developed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and could conduct medical tests or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include things such as seizures and thyroid disorders that can have similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your private assessment for adhd northern ireland life at home, school or at work. This will help the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed your doctor will go over medication options with you in the event that you are considering them. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can offer other kinds of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you do opt to get a prescription, your clinician will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll receive through the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations of professionals with experience in ADHD evaluations of adults is a great idea prior to undergoing an assessment in private. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area, and read about the different methods they use. You can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be connected with a therapist who is experienced within 48 hours.
Can I receive a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health practitioner 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 care or something called a 'shared care agreement' when your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them directly. 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, if you GP recommends an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This is to aid your doctor in understanding the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently offer a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. Even if you are diagnosed with this route, you might still not be able access the medication that you need.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences, such as the case if you want to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offense of a criminal nature when you're taking these medications you could face an extensive fine or even jail time.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll need to provide a letter from your provider that proves this, as well as a copy of your medical records.