ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. Not all healthcare professionals are qualified to recognize ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper examinations. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment of the project?
An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication could aid. You will need to provide details of your symptoms and any issues that they may be causing. You will be asked questions about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to write notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is so they can remember them. A psychiatrist will typically spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can have an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. The system is not without its problems. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs over long periods of time and not considering the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There's a helpful site on Psychiatry-UK which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters you can use to make your request.
Private psychiatric services provide the fastest and most professional diagnosis, particularly in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds and offer a tailored treatment plan, particularly if you're 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 use the DSM V criteria to determine whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug, and are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying a disease, injury or condition. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often followed by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is an essential part of the curriculum of medical students and plays a significant role in the training of doctors across all areas of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word and it is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a number of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a faster more efficient, professional and more empathetic process. They also tend to have a better understanding of the other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
After you have received a diagnosis and have a treatment plan, you can discuss options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it assists with daily activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to perform.
If you're thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, be aware that these are class B substances which mean that they can potentially cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that does not contain stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a myriad of factors to consider and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or deflect any possible diagnosis. You may bring a list of symptoms to the examination and be honest when explaining 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 a diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is important to understand that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or insufficiency; it is a normal neurological condition. It is crucial to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A professional will diagnose you by combining a detailed history as well as a review of your present symptoms, and analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales designed to detect ADHD among adults. They then apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnose.
In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator may be required to conduct cognitive tests or medical examinations to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation it is essential to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work or school. This is so that the examiner will be able to determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed your doctor will go over your options regarding medication If you are private adhd assessment leeds thinking about them. The GP cannot prescribe ADHD medications, but they can provide other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to go for a prescription, your doctor will draft a document for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you will receive on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Before you go for a private diagnosis it is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read reviews online about providers in your locality and find out more about their methods. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to select your mental health professional for an ADHD evaluation if you are an active military service. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to confirm that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will let you determine if they have contracts with NHS. 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 the date they started, if you GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will help your doctor better know your symptoms and the impact on your life. It is important to answer these questions honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about exercising Your Right to Choose. It's worth noting that the NHS currently doesn't provide an titration service for medicines through the Right to Choose pathway. Therefore, even if you are diagnosed via this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need.
There are a number of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's important to note that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs, and therefore are subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a crime when you are taking these drugs, you may face a large fine, or even a prison sentence.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You'll also have to provide a letter from the healthcare provider that proves this, along with an official copy of your record.