ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. However, not all healthcare professionals are certified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper screening. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can help. You'll need to provide information about your symptoms and any problems that they may be causing. You will be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. An assessment typically requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
There are two main methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors, and an absence of proper treatment and consideration given to the medical history of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There's a helpful 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 care is much more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The price is ranging from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and can offer a tailored approach, especially when you are likely to be highly knowledgeable or have a successful career. They are also able to screen and assist with co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are frequently present in conjunction with ADHD.
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 six traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with 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 diagnostic?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe an injury, disease or condition. A doctor will make a diagnosis and often accompany it with an action plan. Diagnostics are a significant component of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often employ the term "diagnosis" and it is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are several ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide the most rapid, professional and understanding process. They also tend to have a greater awareness of the other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
If you've received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This can include medications, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is most suitable for your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA as it assists people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're thinking of using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD Be aware that they are class B drugs which could cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging 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. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment and be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How do I get a diagnosis?
Your child or you might have ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that can affect your life is to get a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it's crucial to recognize that the disorder is not a sign of insanity or lack of intelligence; it is merely a neurobiological issue. It is important to understand that the proper treatment will help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually assess you through the combination of a thorough background and discussion of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnosis.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and may conduct cognitive tests or medical exams to determine any underlying causes of your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation it is essential to be open about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, school or at work. This is so that the assessor can determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that contributes to your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed your doctor will go over medication options with you if you are considering them. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get a prescription, your clinician will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you will receive on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea prior to undergoing an individual assessment. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and learn more about their procedures. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to match within 48 hours to a therapist who is experienced.
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 the mental health provider you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full treatment or a'shared care agreement' once your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can check the waiting times of providers on this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began when you GP recommends an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider better know your symptoms and the private adhd assessment leeds impact on your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about exercising Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed using this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication you need.
There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's important to note that stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing a criminal offence while taking these drugs 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 Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide a letter from your provider to prove this, along with the medical records.