ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper screening. We went undercover in order 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 determine if medication can help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two main methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. However the system isn't without flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors and an absence of proper care and consideration for patients' medical history.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find a resource that includes templates and tips to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, especially in London. The costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can offer a tailored approach, especially in situations where you may be highly skilled or successful in your job. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today, and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. 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 means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral component of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles.
There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. One option is to visit your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to seek a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists typically have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide the most rapid, competent and knowledgeable process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
If you've received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and other non-medical treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA as it assists people who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.
If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs, which could lead to addiction. If you're concerned about this, your doctor may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a variety of factors to consider and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, making it easy for doctors and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the assessment and be honest when explaining your symptoms.
How can I obtain an medical diagnosis?
If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting an diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is crucial to recognize that the condition is not a sign of laziness or insufficiency; it is simply a neurobiological condition. It is important to understand that the proper treatment will aid you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To determine your condition an expert will typically examine you with the combination of a thorough background and discussion of your current symptoms and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They'll then apply the criteria set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizures, which can have the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the assessment it is crucial to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, work or school. This will allow 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 doctor will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they can offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do opt to get an appointment, your therapist will prepare paperwork for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement, which specifies what treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your friends and family members to recommend professionals with expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a great idea prior to taking an assessment in private. You can also search the internet for reviews of the providers in your area and read about the different methods they employ. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to select your mental health professional for an ADHD evaluation if you are a member of a military service. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full treatment or a shared care agreement' once your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). Contacting the provider directly will allow you to determine if they have agreements with NHS. You can also find waiting times on this website before deciding to go with a specific provider.
If your GP recommends 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 life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
You can learn more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed through this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer affordable and quick diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
private adhd assessment adult to remember that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are classified as Class B drugs which means they are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're convicted of committing an offense of a criminal nature while taking these drugs you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, 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 also have to provide a written confirmation from the service provider to prove this, as well as an official copy of your documents.