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ADHD Diagnosis in the UK In the UK, it is your legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health tests. Not all healthcare professionals have the necessary qualifications to recognize ADHD. Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper tests. We went undercover in order to learn more. What is an assessment? A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the effects of ADHD on your life and whether medication can aid you. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it beneficial to write down their symptoms before their appointment. This is to help them remember their symptoms. An assessment usually includes a 45-90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist. You can get an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and suggest you undergo an assessment. However 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 consideration the medical history of patients. If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD Consider finding a different GP. There's a great site on Psychiatry-UK which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters you can use to present your request. Private psychiatric services are more efficient and professional, particularly in London. The price can range from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and can provide a tailored approach, especially when you are likely to be highly skilled or successful in your career. They can also test for and assist with any co-morbidities commonly found alongside ADHD, like anxiety and depression. The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your current life and how they've had an impact on your previous experiences. The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They must be prescribed by an experienced psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnosis? A diagnosis is a medical term that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A doctor will provide diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. Diagnosis is a major component of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part of the training of doctors working in all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word and it is often used in periodical articles about health care. There are a number 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. A private psychiatrist can perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists usually have years of experience in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD and can offer a much quicker, more professional and a more thorough process. They are also aware of other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD like depression and anxiety. After you have been diagnosed, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medications such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can choose which treatment option is most suitable for your needs. In addition to allowing you to get treatment for your ADHD A diagnosis can also help you access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). 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 to treat your ADHD, know that these drugs are class B drugs and could cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your doctor may refer you to a GP who may prescribe a different form of treatment that does not contain stimulants. Finding an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a variety of factors to take into account and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs, and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. You can bring a list of symptoms to the assessment and be objective when explaining your symptoms. How do I obtain a diagnosis? If you think you or your child may have ADHD, the first step in gaining control over the symptoms that disrupt your life is obtaining an diagnosis. 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 recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of living. To diagnose you A professional will typically assess you through an extensive description of your current symptoms, and also analyze the results of questionnaires and scales that have been designed to identify ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to make an accurate diagnosis. The evaluator may also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests in order to rule out any underlying causes for your symptoms. This can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. During the evaluation it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact you at home, work or school. This is so that the examiner can determine whether or not you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms. After the assessment is completed your doctor will go over your options regarding medication in the event that you are considering them. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to offer other treatments for mental health like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do decide to go for a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement that specifies what treatment you will receive through the NHS and who will be receiving it. Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea before you go for a private assessment. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the various approaches they use. Alternatively, private adhd assessment uk can try BetterHelp's easy-to-use service to get matched with an experienced therapist within 48 hours. Can I receive an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose? You have the right to select your mental health professional to conduct an ADHD evaluation if you are an active military service. After your chosen provider has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy), you'll need to ensure that your GP accepts either full-time treatment, or what's known as a shared care agreement. Calling the providers directly will allow you to find out if they are covered by agreements with NHS. You can also look up waiting times on this website before you decide to sign up with a specific provider. 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 is to assist your doctor to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner. 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. Even if you're diagnosed with this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication that you require. Private clinics are among the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics offering affordable, quick diagnoses for people with ADHD. These methods could have serious repercussions, such as if you are trying 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 and are therefore subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you are found guilty of committing an offence while taking these medications, you could face a large fine or even imprisonment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD, either through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits like Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the severity. You'll also need to provide a written confirmation from the provider that proves this, along with an official copy of your documents.