ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. 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 medications without proper checks. We delved into the dark to learn more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medication can help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms before their appointment. This helps them remember them. An assessment typically includes a 45-90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary ways to get an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. However the system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on 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 make your request.
Private psychiatric services are more efficient and professional, particularly in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and assist with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD such as depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your daily life, and how they have affected your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. These 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 medical term that refers to the recognition of a condition, disease or injury. A doctor will issue diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential part of the curriculum of medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors working across all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals as well as in articles on health care.
There are many ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in UK. One method is to go to your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist can make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide an accelerated, more competent and knowledgeable process. They are also aware of other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety and depression.
Once you have been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide whether you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA because it aids people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're thinking about stimulants such as methylphenidate for treating your ADHD be aware that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
It can be frustrating and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to take into account and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the examination and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
You or your child may have ADHD. The first step to controlling symptoms that could disrupt your life is to get an diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it is crucial to recognize that ADHD isn't an indication of lazyness or a lack of intelligence. it is merely a neurobiological condition. It is crucial to realize that the proper treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To identify you an expert will typically examine you with the combination of a thorough description of your current symptoms and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They 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 or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential to be honest about your issues, and how they affect your life at work, home or at school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're considering medication, your doctor will discuss it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your clinician and he or she will create a form called a Shared care agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations on professionals who have expertise in ADHD evaluations of adults is a good idea before you go for an individual assessment. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and find out more about their methods. You can also try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced 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 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), you'll need to confirm that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will allow you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can check the waiting times of providers by visiting this website.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began, if your GP recommends an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website on the NHS website, click here you can read more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed through this route, you might not be able to access the medication that you require.
Private clinics are one of the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These methods can be dangerous if you're 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 substances and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty 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 a letter from your provider to prove this, along with an original copy of your medical records.