ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
In the UK you have the legal right to choose who provides your specialist NHS mental health assessments. Not all healthcare professionals have the necessary qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and if medication can aid you. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will be asked questions about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms before their appointment. This helps them recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
You can obtain an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. GPs must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. However the system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs for prolonged periods of time and not taking into consideration the medical background of patients.
If you are concerned about your GP's views on ADHD, try another GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site there is templates and suggestions to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most expert diagnosis, especially in London. The price ranges from PS600 to up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in cases where you might be highly knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also screen and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are frequently associated with ADHD.
how much is a private adhd assessment uk examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your daily life, and how they have affected your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. These 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 diagnostic?
A diagnosis is a medical term that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will make diagnosis and often follow it with a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a major element of the curriculum for medical students, and it is a crucial part of the training of doctors working across all areas of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals and in articles about health care.
There are a number of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One option is to visit your GP and request them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another option is to ask a private psychiatrist to perform a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can offer a quicker professional, more thorough, and more understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you have been diagnosed. This could include medication or cognitive therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
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 in their daily routine.
If you're thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a variety of factors to consider, and the NHS system is often overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to dismiss or deny a diagnosis. It is helpful to take your symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when you describe them.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
Your child or you might be suffering from ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to seek an assessment. It's not an easy procedure, but it's essential to remember that ADHD isn't an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is important to understand that the right treatment will help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
To identify you, a professional will usually assess you through an extensive history and discussion about your current symptoms as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They 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 interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator may decide 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 the same symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is crucial that you are honest about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, work, or at school. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you suffer from ADHD or a co-existing disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
Once the evaluation is completed the doctor will discuss the options for medication with you in the event that you are considering these. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medications, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do choose to seek a prescription, your clinician will create a form for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines the type of treatment you will be receiving on the NHS and with whom.
Before you go for a private diagnosis, it is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have expertise in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search the internet for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the various methods they use. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnosis using Right to Choose?
If you're a member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health practitioner you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' when the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). Calling the providers directly will allow you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can check the waiting times of the providers on this site.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the time they began in the event that your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. It's important to answer these honestly and clearly.
On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS is currently not offering 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.
There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide affordable and quick diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.
It's important to note that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs and are therefore subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offence of criminal intent when you're taking these medications you could be subject to an enormous fine and/or prison.
In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support depending on the severity of your condition. You'll also need to submit a letter from the service provider to prove this, as well as a copy of your documents.