ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. But not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing drugs frequently without proper tests. We went undercover in order to learn more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medication can assist. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it useful to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They will be able to recall them later. An assessment usually involves a 45 to 90 minutes of discussion with the psychiatrist.
There are two ways to receive an adult ADHD assessment The other is through 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 regarding the long-term use of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors, and a lack of proper care and consideration for the medical history of patients.
If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry-UK website which offers tips for doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric treatment can provide an accelerated and professional diagnosis, particularly in London. Costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're intelligent or have a successful career. They can also test for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are often associated with ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your life today and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will inform you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are covered 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 diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is often accompanied by a treatment plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral part of the course for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors who work in all areas of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals and in health-related articles.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist is also able to make an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more competent and knowledgeable process. They also tend to have a better understanding of the other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This could include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can choose which treatment option is most suitable for your needs.
In addition to allowing you to receive treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is especially important because it helps with day-to-day activities that people who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out.
If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate to treat ADHD be aware that these drugs are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist could refer you to a GP that can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-funded, making it easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or downplay any possible 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?
If you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt life is getting an diagnosis. It can be an emotional process, but it's essential to realize that ADHD isn't an indication of lazyness or insufficiency; it is a normal neurobiological condition. It is also vital to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a thorough history, a review of your current symptoms and analysing the results of scales and questionnaires that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make an accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator may also interview you and your family members, and could conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include things like seizures and thyroid disorders that can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or at work. This will enable the examiner to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
If adhd assessment private considering medication, your clinician will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your physician who will prepare paperwork called a Shared care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations on professionals with expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults is a great idea before you go for an assessment in private. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and find out more about their methods. You can also try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get the right therapist within 48 hours.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health practitioner you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. 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 treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will enable you to find out if they are covered by 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 about your symptoms and the time when they began. This will help your provider better know your symptoms and the impact on your life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.
Find out more about how to exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS is currently not offering a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. Even if you are diagnosed using this pathway, you may not be able to access the medication you require.
Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering rapid, inexpensive diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts could be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance.
It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are Class B substances, 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.
In addition to the above If you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance dependent on the severity of your condition. You'll need an official letter from your doctor that proves this, along with an original copy of your medical records.