ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper screening. We went undercover in order to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to see if medication can aid. You'll be asked to provide details of your symptoms and any issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms before the appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment usually requires a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. GPs must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about your GP's attitude to ADHD consider a different GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK, you will find an aid that contains templates and suggestions for making your request.
Private psychiatric services provide the fastest and most professional diagnosis, particularly in London. The price can range from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in cases where you might be extremely knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your current life, and how they have affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and next steps. You can decide to begin treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term for identifying a disease, injury or condition. A doctor will issue a diagnosis and often accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the medical school curriculum and is an integral component of the education of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word and it is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist is also able to make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have years of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide an accelerated, more competent and knowledgeable process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
After you have been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA as it assists those with disabilities and illnesses in their daily routine.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs, which could cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist could refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for doctors and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the assessment, and try to be objective when explaining your symptoms.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
Your child or you might be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can affect your life is to seek an assessment. It's not an easy process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD isn't a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed medical history as well as a review of your present symptoms, and analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may be required to conduct cognitive tests or medical examinations to determine if there are any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions, which can often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be honest about your issues, and how they affect your life at home, work, or at school. This will allow the examiner to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition which is contributing your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your doctor will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medication, but they can offer other kinds of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your clinician who will prepare paperwork called a Shared care Agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you go for an individual diagnosis it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area and read about the various approaches they employ. You can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health provider you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full care, or something called a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will allow you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before you decide to sign up 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 when they started. This is to help your provider understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's worth noting here that the NHS currently doesn't offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed through this route, you might still not be able access the medication you require.
Private clinics are one of the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It is important to remember that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing a criminal offence while taking these drugs, you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You will also need to provide a written confirmation from the service provider proving this, along with an official copy of your records.