ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose the person who offers your specialized NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to determine ADHD.
Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications with no proper tests. We conducted an undercover investigation to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to see whether medication could aid. You'll need to provide details of your symptoms and any issues they cause. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to write down their symptoms prior to the appointment. They can then remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not considering the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry-UK website which offers tips for doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most expert diagnosis, especially in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're highly educated or have a thriving 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 based on the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your current life and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe a disease, injury or condition. A doctor will provide an assessment and usually accompany it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key component of the curriculum of medical students and is an integral part in the training of doctors across all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can also provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker more efficient, professional, and more understanding process. They also have a greater awareness of other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like depression and anxiety.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA, as it helps people who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you're thinking of 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 are concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or deflect any potential diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your list of symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you possibly can when explaining them.
How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?
If how much is a private adhd assessment think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD The first step to gain control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining a diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it's important to understand that the disorder is not a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is merely a neurological condition. It is essential to recognize that the right treatment will help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a detailed medical history, a discussion of your current symptoms and analysing the results of questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnosis.
The evaluator may also interview you and your family members and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the examination, it is crucial to be honest about your symptoms, and how they affect you at work, home or at school. This will enable the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition that is causing your symptoms.
If you're considering treatment, your physician will discuss it after the assessment has been completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will create a form for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for an individual diagnosis, it is recommended to ask your friends and family for recommendations of experts who have experience with ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and learn more about their techniques. You can also try BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to confirm that your GP accepts either full-time 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 times on this site before you decide to sign up with a particular provider.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they first started. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
You can find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's worth noting that the NHS currently does not offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you are diagnosed via this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you need.
There are a variety of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering rapid, inexpensive diagnoses for people with ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences like when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to note 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 are convicted of committing an offence when using these drugs, you could be punished with a substantial fine, or even a prison sentence.
In addition to the above in addition, if you're diagnosed ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be entitled to disability benefits in the form of Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance depending on the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide a letter from your provider to prove this, along with an original copy of your medical records.