ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health exams. But not all healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper screening. We went undercover 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 determine whether medication could aid. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms before their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. A typical assessment requires a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist.
best private adhd assessment uk can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website that provides tips on how to do this and templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, especially in London. The price is ranging from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and can offer specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be highly skilled or successful in your job. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are typically associated with ADHD.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using 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 had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will issue an assessment and usually accompany it with a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word "diagnosis" and is frequently used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist is also able to provide the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists typically have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer the most rapid, professional and a more thorough process. They also tend to have a greater awareness of other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you've been diagnosed. This can include medication such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to 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 with disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities.
If you're thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that these are class B substances which mean that they can potentially lead to addiction. If you are concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. There are a number of factors to consider and the NHS system is often stretched and under resourced and it is extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or deny a diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the assessment, and try to be objective when you describe your symptoms.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
Your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to obtain an diagnosis. It's not an easy process, but it's important to remember that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is crucial to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a thorough history, a review of your present symptoms and analysing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root reasons for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your issues, and how they affect your life at work, home or at school. This will help the examiner to determine if you have ADHD or a condition that is causing your symptoms.
Once the assessment is complete, your clinician will discuss the options for medication with you in the event that you are considering them. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medications, but they can do other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to get an appointment with your doctor and he or she will draft a document known as a Shared care agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you go for a private diagnosis, it is recommended to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read reviews online regarding the services in your area and find out more about their techniques. You can also try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get connected with a therapist who is experienced within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get an appointment for a diagnosis through 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. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to ensure that your GP accepts either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can find 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 regarding your symptoms and when they first started. This will aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
Find out more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS is currently not offering an titration of medications through the Right to Choose path. Even if you are diagnosed using this method, you may still not be able access the medication you need.
Private clinics are one of the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid, inexpensive diagnoses for people with ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences if you're seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It is important to remember that stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature while taking these drugs you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with 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 a letter from your provider that proves this, as well as a copy of your medical records.