In the UK it is your legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Not all healthcare professionals have the necessary qualifications to diagnose ADHD.
Panorama has received complaints from whistleblowers and patients who claim that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication without proper checks. We went undercover to learn more.
What is an assessment?
An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can help. 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 beneficial to write down symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.
There are two methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. Doctors must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be willing to refer you for an assessment. The system isn't without its flaws. 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 concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. On the Psychiatry-UK site there is an aid that contains templates and guidelines to make your request.
Private psychiatric services offer an accelerated and expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost is ranging from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly when you are likely to be highly intelligent or successful in your job. They can also assess for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are typically associated with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your past experiences.
The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a medical term that means the identification of a condition, disease or injury. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. Diagnostics are a significant part of the course for medical students and is an integral component of the training of doctors who work in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word "diagnosis" and is often used in periodical articles about health care.
There are a variety of methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more professional and a more thorough process. They also tend to be more aware of other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
Once 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) as well as other non-medication treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide if you want to take up the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA, as it helps people with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities.
If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate for treating your ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you're concerned, your psychiatrist can refer to an GP who can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants.
It can be a frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is often stressed and under-funded, so it can be extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or deny a diagnosis. It is a good idea to take a list of your symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as possible when you describe the symptoms.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get a diagnosis. It can be a difficult process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. private adhd assessment adults is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is crucial to realize that the correct treatment can assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.
A qualified professional will identify you by combining a thorough history as well as a discussion of your current symptoms, and analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
In addition to conducting an interview with you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may want to carry out medical tests or cognitive tests to determine if there are any underlying 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 important to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, work or school. This is so that the assessor can determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms.
If you're thinking about taking medication, your clinician will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can offer other kinds of mental health treatment 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 that specifies what treatment you'll be receiving on the NHS and who will be receiving it.
Asking your friends and family members for recommendations of experts with experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea prior to taking an individual assessment. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area and read about the different methods they employ. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist.
Can I get a diagnostic through Right to Choose?
You are entitled to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD evaluation if you're a member of a military service. You'll have to ensure that your GP will accept full care or a'shared care agreement' when your chosen doctor discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). Calling the providers directly will let you find out if they are covered by contracts with NHS. You can also check waiting times on this website before you decide to sign up with a particular provider.
If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions about your symptoms and when they started. This will help your provider better understand your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner.
On the NHS website on the NHS website, you can read more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. It's worth noting that the NHS currently does not offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed with this method, you may not be able to access the medication you need.
There are many alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics which provide quick and cheap diagnoses of ADHD. These methods could have serious consequences for instance, when you attempt to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work.
It's important to note that stimulants that are prescribed for ADHD fall under Class B drugs, and are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing an offense while taking these medications, you could be punished with a substantial fine or even jail time.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the severity. You'll need a letter from your provider to prove this, as well as the medical records.
