ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has heard from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper screening. We went undercover in order to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication could help. You'll be asked to provide details of your symptoms and any problems that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms before their appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment usually involves a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. The GP must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. The system is not without problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs over prolonged periods of time and not taking into account the medical history of patients.
If you are worried about your GP's views on ADHD consider a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this, as well as templates for letters that you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services provide the fastest and most qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The price ranges from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They are also able to screen and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are frequently present in conjunction with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your daily life and how they've had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug, and are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnostics are a significant component of the medical school curriculum and is a crucial part of the training of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. The term is frequently utilized in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are a variety of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more professional and understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
If you've been diagnosed and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide if you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your needs.
In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is crucial because it assists with daily activities that those with disabilities or illnesses have to do.
If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that these are class B drugs which means that they could cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a number of factors to consider as well as the NHS system is often over overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or minimize a possible diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment, and try to be honest when you describe your symptoms.
How do I get a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD The first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it is important to understand that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or a lack of intelligence. it is merely a neurobiological issue. It is also essential to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
To diagnose you, a professional will usually assess you through a combination of a detailed background and discussion of your current symptoms, and also analyzing the results from questionnaires and scales that have been created to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnose.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical or cognitive tests to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be open about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, at work or school. This will help the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a coexisting disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking of taking medication, your clinician will discuss it once the assessment is completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and with whom.
Before you take a diagnosis that is private, it is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of experts who have expertise in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and find out more about their procedures. You can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be connected with a therapist who is experienced within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnostic 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) then you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also find the waiting times on this site before deciding to go with a particular provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, and when they began when your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
You can learn more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS is currently not offering the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Even if you're diagnosed through this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication that you need.
Private clinics are among the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable and quick diagnosis of 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's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B substances which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offence when you are taking these medications, you could face a large fine or even jail time.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people like Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You'll need an official letter from your doctor to prove this, along with the medical records.