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ADHD Diagnosis in the UK In the UK you have the legal right to choose who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. However, not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD. Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs, often without proper tests. We delved into the dark to find out more. What is an assessment? An assessment is a consultation with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication could help. You will need to bring details of your symptoms and any problems that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it useful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This helps them remember them. An assessment usually requires a 45 to 90 minute discussion with the psychiatrist. There are two main ways to get an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. GPs must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful drugs for prolonged 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, consider finding another GP. There's a great resource on the Psychiatry UK website that gives tips about doing this and templates for letters that you can use to submit your request. Private psychiatric services provide a much speedier and more expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can offer specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be highly intelligent or successful in your job. They are also able to screen and help with co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are frequently present in conjunction with ADHD. The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they impact on your past experiences. The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You can decide to start treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug, and are subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or doctor 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 made by a doctor and is usually followed by a treatment plan. Diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum for medical students and is a crucial part of the training of doctors who work in all fields of medicine. Medical journals often employ the word and it is often included in periodicals about health care. There are several ways to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can request your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can perform the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more adept in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker, more professional and more thorough process. They are also more aware of other conditions which 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 could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to pursue the option that best meets your needs. A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to obtain reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is particularly important because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to be able to carry out. If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs and can cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are many factors to consider and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, which makes it easy for GPs and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to take a list of your symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when describing them. How do I obtain a diagnosis? If you are concerned that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD The first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining a diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it's important to understand that the condition is not an indication of lazyness or insufficiency; it is a normal 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 review of your current symptoms, and then analyzing the results of scales and questionnaires designed to identify ADHD among adults. They will then apply the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnosis. In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the evaluator might decide to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine the root causes of your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which often have the same symptoms as 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 evaluator can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that contributes to your symptoms. If adhd private assessment of taking medication, your clinician will talk to you about it once the assessment is completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they may offer other treatments for mental health such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will create a form for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you'll receive on the NHS and who will be receiving it. Before you take a diagnosis that is private, it is recommended to ask your friends and family for recommendations of experts who have expertise in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also read reviews online about the local providers and find out more about their techniques. BetterHelp also offers a simple service to match within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist. Do I have the ability to get a diagnosis using Right to Choose? You have the right to choose your mental health provider for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active military service. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) then you'll need to confirm that your GP is willing to accept either full care or a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will enable you to determine if they have contracts with NHS. You can also find waiting times 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 via the Right to Choose path. This will help your provider understand the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly. Find out more about exercising your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. 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're diagnosed through this method, you may still not be able access the medication that you require. Private clinics are one of the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering quick, cheap diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These shortcuts can be dangerous if you're seeking to claim benefits like Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for instance. It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are Class B substances and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are convicted of committing a crime when you are taking these drugs, you may be liable for a significant fine or even jail time. If you are diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the degree of the disorder. You'll also need to submit a letter from the provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical records.