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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 assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to recognize ADHD. Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper examinations. We went undercover in order to learn more. What is an assessment? An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and determine whether medication might help. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms before the appointment. This is so they can remember them. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment. There are two methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment There are two main ways to get an assessment for ADHD: 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 issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns about doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time and not considering the medical history of patients. If you are worried about your GP's attitude to ADHD consider a different GP. On the Psychiatry UK website there is templates and tips to make your request. Private psychiatric services provide an accelerated and expert diagnosis, especially in London. The price is ranging from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and can offer a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly skilled or have a lucrative career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are frequently present in conjunction with ADHD. The Psychiatrist examines your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your previous experiences. The Psychiatrist then will advise you on your options and the next steps. You can choose to begin treatment with stimulants like methylphenidate. These stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnosis? A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, disease or injury. A diagnosis is made by a doctor and is usually accompanied by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a major part of the curriculum of medical students, and it is a crucial part of the training of doctors in all fields of medicine. The term is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles. There are a number of ways to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or an adult ADHD specialist. Another way is to get an individual psychiatrist to make the diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have extensive experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can offer the most rapid, professional and a more thorough process. They also be more aware of the other conditions that could cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like anxiety and depression. You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist after you've been diagnosed. This can include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other non-medication treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You can then decide if you'd like to pursue the treatment option that best suits your needs. A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is especially important because it helps with day-to-day activities that those who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out. If you are thinking about taking stimulants like methylphenidate for ADHD be aware that they are class B drugs, which means that they could lead to addiction. If you're concerned, your psychiatrist can refer to a GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants. It can be frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are a number of aspects to take into consideration, and the NHS system is often overwhelmed and under-funded, so it can be extremely easy for doctors or other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment and try to be objective when describing your symptoms. How can I obtain an medical diagnosis? If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD The first step towards gaining control over the symptoms that cause disruption to your life is to get an diagnosis. It's a challenging process, but it's important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. It is also important to recognize that the proper treatment can help you control your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. To identify you, 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 developed to detect 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 may also interview you and your family members, and could conduct medical or cognitive tests to rule out any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid disorders and seizures, which can exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD. During the evaluation, it is important to be open about your symptoms and how they impact you at work, home or school. private adult adhd assessment is so that the assessor will be able to determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms. If you're considering medication, your doctor will discuss it once the assessment is completed. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medication, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you opt to get a prescription, your clinician will draft a document for your GP known as a Shared Care Agreement which outlines the type of treatment you will receive on the NHS and who will be receiving it. Before you take a private diagnosis It is recommended to ask your friends and family for recommendations of experts who have expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also read online reviews regarding the services in your area and learn more about their methods. You can also use BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within 48 hours to an experienced therapist. Can I get an appointment for 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 professional you're referred to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). Contacting the provider directly will allow you to find out if they have contracts with NHS. You can also look up the waiting time on this website before you decide to sign up with a particular provider. You will be asked about your symptoms, including when they began, if your GP refers to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will allow your doctor to better know your symptoms and the impact on your life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly. You can learn more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer a titration service for medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you get diagnosed through this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need. Private clinics are one of the other options to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide quick, cheap diagnosis for people suffering from ADHD. These methods could have serious consequences for instance, the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work. It is important to remember that stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs, and are subject to restrictions under The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense while taking these medications, you could face a large fine or even imprisonment. If you are diagnosed with ADHD whether through the NHS or privately, you could be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance, or both, depending on the severity. You'll also have to provide a letter from the provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical record.