ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health examinations. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe drugs without proper checks. We conducted an undercover investigation to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and if medication can aid you. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. A typical assessment includes a 45-90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
There are two main ways to get 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 for an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama programme raised concerns about long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and an absence of proper care and consideration for patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD, try another 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 submit your request.
Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds and offer an individual treatment plan, particularly if you're educated or have a thriving career. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD such as anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and 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 prescribed by 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 condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often supported by a treatment program. Diagnostics are a significant part of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the education of doctors in all fields of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is frequently utilized in periodicals on health care.
There are several methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit 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 generally have extensive experience diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide the most rapid, professional and understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you've been diagnosed. This could include medications or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to choose the option that best meets your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important as it aids in daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to do.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a variety of factors to consider and the NHS system is often overwhelmed and under-funded which means it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be objective when describing your symptoms.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD The first step in gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining a diagnosis. It's not an easy process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a detailed medical history, a review of your present symptoms, and then analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then use the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the person evaluating you may decide to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be open about your issues, and how they affect you at home, work or school. This is so that the examiner can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your clinician will discuss it once the evaluation is completed. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medications, but they can do other types of mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines the type of treatment you will receive on the NHS and with whom.
Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals with expertise in ADHD evaluations of adults is a good idea prior to undergoing an individual assessment. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and learn more about their methods. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to match within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health provider you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting times of providers on this website.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they first started. This will allow your doctor to better comprehend your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
Find out more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS does not currently provide a titration for medications via the Right read more to Choose path. Therefore, even if you are diagnosed via this route, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are among the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid and inexpensive diagnoses of ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing an offense while taking these medications, you could face a large fine or even jail time.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll need a letter from your provider to prove this, along with a copy of your medical records.