ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, you have a legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health exams. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper tests. We went undercover 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 determine whether medication could help. You'll be asked to provide details of your symptoms and any issues they are causing. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to write notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is so they can remember their symptoms. An assessment typically requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist.
There are two primary methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for prolonged periods of time and not taking into account the medical background of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD, consider finding another GP. There's a helpful resource on the Psychiatry UK website that gives tips about doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to present your request.
Private psychiatric services are more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The price is ranging from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience conducting assessments of people from different backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also assess for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have 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, which may involve stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They can only be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying a disease, injury or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often supported by a treatment program. Diagnostics are a significant part of the course for medical students and is an integral part of the education of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often use the word and it is often utilized in periodicals on health care.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. One way is to see your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. A private psychiatrist is also able to make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have extensive experience diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer the most rapid, professional and understanding process. They also have a better understanding of the other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
After you have been diagnosed you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This can include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to choose the treatment option that best suits your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA as it assists those with disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you're thinking of using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs, which could cause addiction. If you're private healthcare adhd assessment worried, your psychiatrist can refer to a GP who can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
It can be frustrating and challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of 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 deflect any possible diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the appointment, and try to be honest when describing your symptoms.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child could have ADHD the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can cause disruption to your life is to get a diagnosis. It can be a difficult process, but it's crucial to remember that ADHD isn't a sign laziness or a 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.
To identify you, a professional will usually examine you with the combination of a thorough description of your current symptoms, and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria set out by 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 root causes behind your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is essential to be open about your symptoms and how they affect you at work, home or at school. This is so that the evaluator 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 treatment, your physician will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can provide other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your clinician who will prepare paperwork called a Shared care Agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.
Before you take a diagnosis that is private, it is a good idea to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area, and read about the various approaches they employ. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
You have the right to choose your mental health practitioner for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. Once your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can check the waiting times of the providers on this site.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the time when they began. This is to aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
You can find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS does not currently provide a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. So, even if you're diagnosed using this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could be dangerous if you're seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's important to note that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of 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 when you're taking these medications you could face an extensive fine or even jail time.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You'll also need to provide a written confirmation from the service provider proving this, along with a copy of your record.