ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health exams. But not all healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose ADHD.

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

What is an assessment?

A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medications can assist. You will need to bring details of your symptoms and any problems they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it helpful to write down symptoms before their appointment. This is so they can remember their symptoms. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment.

There are two main 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, In My Area the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about the long-term effects of powerful medications being given out by doctors as well as the lack of proper treatment and consideration given to patients' medical history.

If you are worried about your GP's attitude to ADHD consider a different GP. There's a helpful 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 the fastest and most expert diagnosis, especially in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide an individual treatment plan, particularly if you're skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also assess for and offer help with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD, like depression and anxiety.

The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your past experiences.

The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council.

What is a diagnostic?

A diagnosis is the medical term used to identify a disease, injury or condition. A doctor will provide an assessment and usually accompany it with an action plan. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students and plays a significant role in the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. The word is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles.

There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can make an assessment. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience in My Area diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer an accelerated, more professional and a more thorough process. They also tend to have a better understanding of other conditions that may confuse symptoms with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.

Once you have been diagnosed, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medical treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to your requirements.

A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important as it aids in daily activities that those with disabilities or illnesses have 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 and could cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that does not contain stimulants.

It can be frustrating and challenging to receive 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 potential diagnosis. It can be helpful to take your symptoms with you for the examination and try to be as objective as you possibly can when you describe them.

How can I obtain a medical diagnosis?

If you think you or your child might have ADHD The first step to gain control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it is important to understand that the disorder is not a sign of insanity or insufficiency; it is a normal neurological condition. It is crucial to realize that the proper treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life.

To determine your condition, a professional will usually evaluate you by a combination of a detailed history and discussion about your current symptoms, and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in 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 will also interview you and your family members and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine any underlying causes for your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD.

During the evaluation it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work or school. This is so that the assessor can determine whether or not you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that contributes to your symptoms.

If you're considering medication, your doctor will discuss it once the assessment is completed. Doctors are not able to prescribe ADHD medication, however they can do other types of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician and he or she will create a form called a Shared care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive through the NHS.

Before you take an individual diagnosis, it is recommended to ask your family and friends for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also look online for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the various approaches they use. You can also try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be the right therapist within 48 hours.

Can I receive a diagnosis through Right to Choose?

If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose the mental health practitioner you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time care, or something called a shared care agreement. You can determine which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can also check the waiting times of the providers on this site.

If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they first started. This will help your provider better comprehend your symptoms and their impact on your life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly.

You can find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. The NHS does not currently offer an titration of medications through the Right to Choose path. If you are diagnosed via this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need.

There are a variety of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid and inexpensive diagnoses of ADHD. These practices could have serious repercussions, such as when you attempt to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work.

It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing a crime while taking these drugs, you may face a large fine or even imprisonment.

If you're diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for benefits for disabled people, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also need to provide a written confirmation from the provider that proves this, along with the copy of your medical records.