ADHD Diagnosis in the UK In the UK, you have the legal right to choose who offers your specialized NHS mental health exams. Healthcare professionals may not all 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 in order 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 whether medication might help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your family and work life. https://output.jsbin.com/sobagavaho/ find it helpful to write down symptoms before their appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment typically requires a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist. There are two ways to get an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. The GP must take any concerns regarding 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 about long-term prescriptions of powerful drugs being handed out by doctors, and the lack of proper care and consideration for the medical history of patients. If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There is a good resource on the Psychiatry UK website which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters you can use to submit your request. Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, particularly in London. Costs typically range between PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and can provide specific solutions, particularly when you are likely to be highly skilled or successful in your job. They can also screen for and assist with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD, like anxiety and depression. The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You must demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they have impacted on your past experiences. The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnosis? A diagnosis is the medical term for identifying an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is given by a doctor and is usually supported by a treatment program. The diagnosis is a key element of the curriculum for medical students, and it is an integral part in the training of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is often utilized in periodicals on health care. There are several methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have extensive experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can provide a much quicker, more competent and knowledgeable process. They are also more aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like depression and anxiety. You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This can include medications or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments like relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can then decide whether you'd like to pursue the option that best meets your requirements. In addition to enabling you to seek treatment for your ADHD, a diagnosis can assist you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). This is particularly crucial in the case of DSA because it aids people who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities. If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate for treating your ADHD, know that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that does not contain stimulants. Finding an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and stressful process. There are a variety of factors to consider and the NHS system is often stretched and under resourced which means it can be extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to dismiss or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to take your list of symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as you possibly can when describing them. How can I obtain a medical diagnosis? You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to obtain an assessment. It's a challenging procedure, but it's essential to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an illness of the brain. It is also important to realise that the right treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. To determine your condition an expert will typically assess you through the combination of a thorough 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 then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify the cause of your symptoms. The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and may conduct cognitive tests or medical exams to determine any root causes behind your symptoms. This can include things like seizures and thyroid disorders which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. During the evaluation it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, at school or at work. This is so that the assessor can determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that contributes to your symptoms. If you're thinking of taking medication, your clinician will talk to you about it once the evaluation is completed. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medications, but they can offer other kinds of mental health treatment such as CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy). If you choose to obtain a prescription from your physician who will draft a document known as a Shared Care Agreement for your GP which outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS. Asking your family and friends to recommend professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations of adults is a great idea prior to undergoing an assessment in private. You can also read online reviews about the local providers and learn more about their procedures. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to match within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist. Can I get an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose? You have the right to choose your mental health provider to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you are an active member of the military service. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to ensure that your GP is willing to accept either full treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will allow you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can find the waiting times of providers by visiting this website. If your GP recommends you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the time when they began. This will aid your doctor in understanding the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly. On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently offer an titration of medications through the Right to Choose path. If you are diagnosed via this route, you may not be in a position to get the medication you require. Private clinics are one of the other methods to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid, inexpensive diagnoses for people with ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious repercussions for instance, the case if you want to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work. It's important to note that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs, and are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of a criminal offence while taking these medicines, you could face an enormous fine and/or prison. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be eligible for disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the severity. You'll also need to submit a letter from the service provider to prove this, as well as a copy of your documents.