In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper examinations. We went undercover to find out more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to see whether medication might 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 them. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. GPs should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions regarding the long-term use of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors and a lack of proper care and consideration given to patients' medical history.
If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There's a helpful resource on the Psychiatry UK website that gives tips about doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to submit your request.
Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, especially in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds and offer an individualized treatment plan particularly if you're highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities like anxiety and depression, that are often found along with ADHD.
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 have to show at least six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your previous experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which can involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnostic?
A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe an injury, disease or condition. Read More At this website will make diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum of medical students, and it is an integral part in the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is often utilized in periodicals on health care.
There are many ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another option is to ask an individual psychiatrist to make an assessment. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more professional and understanding process. They are also aware of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety.
You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This may include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and other non-medical treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can decide which treatment option is best suited to your needs.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it helps with day-to-day activities that people with disabilities or illnesses have to do.
If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate for treating your ADHD be aware that these drugs are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist could refer you to an GP who can prescribe a treatment without stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and difficult to get an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to take into account and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or minimize any possible diagnosis. It can be helpful to take a list of your symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you possibly can when describing the symptoms.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD The first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining an diagnosis. It's a difficult process, but it is important to understand that the disorder is not a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is simply a neurobiological issue. It is important to understand that the correct treatment can assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A specialist will determine your diagnosis by combining a detailed history and a detailed discussion of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine ADHD among adults. They will then apply the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The evaluator also interviews you and your family members and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine any root causes behind your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders which may have similar symptoms as ADHD.
During the evaluation, it is important to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, school or at work. This will enable the examiner to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a disorder that is contributing to your symptoms.
After the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss your options regarding medication in the event that you are considering these. Doctors are not permitted to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your physician, he or she will create a form called a Shared care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive on the NHS.
Before you make a private diagnosis It is a good idea to consult your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience with ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and learn more about their methods. If you prefer, you can use BetterHelp's simple-to-use service to be matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours.
Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis through Right to Choose?
If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health practitioner you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full treatment or a shared care agreement' after the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). You can find out which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can also check the waiting times on this site before deciding to go with a specific provider.
You will be asked about your symptoms, including the time they began when you GP refers to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity.
On the NHS website, you can learn more about exercising Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently offer 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 need.
Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that provide rapid and inexpensive diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts can have serious consequences if trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, as an example.
It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B substances and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing an offense when using these medications, you could be liable for a significant fine or even imprisonment.
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 Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance according to the severity of your condition. You will also need to submit a letter from the provider that proves this, along with a copy of your record.
