ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

In the UK you have a legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health examinations. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to determine ADHD.

Panorama has heard from patients and whistleblowers who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more.

What is an assessment?

An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can aid. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms before their appointment. They can then recall 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 suggest you undergo an assessment. However, the system is not without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time, and not taking into account the medical history of patients.

If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website that gives tips about doing this and templates for letters you can use to submit your request.

Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most qualified diagnosis, especially in London. The costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also assess for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with 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 demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your current life and how they've affected your past experiences.

The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug and therefore subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.

What is a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the diagnosis of a disease, condition or injury. A diagnosis is provided by a physician and is usually followed by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part in the training of doctors working in all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals and in health-related articles.

There are many ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to ask an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and offer a quicker, more professional and more thorough process. They are also aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like anxiety and depression.

After you have received a diagnosis you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive therapy (CBT), as well as other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to choose the option that best meets your requirements.

A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is especially important in the case of DSA as it assists those with disabilities and illnesses with their daily routine.

If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for ADHD, be aware that they are class B drugs, which mean that they can potentially cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants.

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overstretched and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs and other health professionals to dismiss or minimize any potential diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the assessment and be honest when you describe your symptoms.

How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?

If you are concerned that you or your child could have ADHD The first step to gain control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining a diagnosis. It's a challenging process, but it's crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of your life.

To diagnose you, a professional will usually evaluate you by an extensive history and discussion about your current symptoms as well as analysing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to determine a reliable diagnose.

In addition to interviewing you and those close more info to you, the evaluator may want to carry out cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root causes of your symptoms. This can include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions that can have similar symptoms as ADHD.

During the evaluation, it is important to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, at work or school. This will allow the evaluator to determine if you have ADHD or a condition that is causing your symptoms.

If you're considering medication, your clinician will discuss it after the assessment has been completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your physician and he or she will prepare paperwork called a Shared care agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS.

Asking your family and friends for recommendations of experts with expertise in ADHD assessments of adults is a good idea prior to taking an individual assessment. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and learn more about their techniques. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist.

Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?

You are entitled to choose your mental health practitioner to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to confirm that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. You can find out which providers have these contracts with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also check the waiting time on this website before deciding to go with a particular provider.

You will be asked about your symptoms, including the time they began in the event that your GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This is to 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.

On the NHS website you can find out more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't provide the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you are diagnosed through this method, you may not be able to access the medication you need.

There are a variety of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis that include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These shortcuts can be dangerous if you're seeking benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example.

It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of a criminal offence when you're taking these medications, you could face 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 entitled to disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support depending on the severity of your condition. You'll also need to provide a written confirmation from the service provider proving this, along with a copy of your records.