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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 trained to diagnose ADHD. Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing drugs frequently without proper tests. We went undercover in order to find out more. What is an assessment? An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to determine whether medication might aid. You'll need to provide information about your symptoms as well as any issues that they may be causing. You will also be asked about your family and work schedule. Some patients find it beneficial to write down symptoms before their appointment. They can then remember them. An assessment typically involves a 45 to 90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist. You can get an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take ADHD concerns seriously and refer you to an assessment. However this system isn't without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama programme raised questions about the long-term effects of powerful drugs being dished out by doctors, and a lack of proper care and consideration for the medical history of patients. If you are worried about your GP's attitude to ADHD, try another GP. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find a resource that includes templates and tips to submit your request. Private psychiatric services offer a much speedier and more expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost is ranging from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults of diverse backgrounds, and can offer an individualized treatment plan especially if you are highly intelligent or have a successful career. They can also screen and assist with co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression which are frequently found along with ADHD. The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms), which are present in your current life and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences. The Psychiatrist will then advise you on your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment with stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are classified as a class B drug and therefore subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnostic? A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that refers to the recognition 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 key part of the curriculum of medical students, and it is an integral part in the education of doctors across all areas of medicine. The term is often used in medical journals as well as in articles on health care. There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and request for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or clinic. Another way is to get a private psychiatrist to perform an assessment. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to provide a faster professional, more thorough and more empathetic process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD like depression and anxiety. If you've received a diagnosis you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to pursue the treatment option that best suits your needs. A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA as it assists those with disabilities and illnesses in their daily activities. If you're considering stimulants like methylphenidate to treat your ADHD, know that these drugs are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you are concerned about this, your doctor can refer you to an GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often over-stretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs, and other health professionals to dismiss or deflect any possible diagnosis. It can be helpful to bring your symptoms with you to the assessment and try to be as objective as possible when you describe them. How do I find out if I have a diagnosis? Your child or you might have ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to seek an assessment. It's a difficult process, but it is essential to realize that the condition is not a sign of insanity or lack of intelligence; it is merely a neurobiological condition. It is important to understand that the right treatment will assist you in managing your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life. To diagnose you an expert will typically assess you through an extensive background and discussion of your current symptoms and also analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales that have been developed to detect ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnosis. In addition to interviewing you and those close to you, the person evaluating you may be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to determine if there are any underlying causes of your symptoms. private adhd assessment adults can include thyroid disorders and seizures, which typically have similar symptoms as ADHD. During the assessment it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect you at home, work or school. This will allow the examiner to determine if you suffer from ADHD or a coexisting condition that is causing your symptoms. If you're considering medication, your doctor will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. The GP is not able to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you do opt to get a prescription, your doctor will create a form for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines the type of treatment you will receive through the NHS and with whom. Before you make an individual diagnosis It is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area and learn about the different methods they use. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to be matched within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced. Do I have the ability to get an appointment for a diagnosis through Right to Choose? If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have a right to choose which mental health professional you're recommended to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' after the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT or medication). Calling the providers directly will allow you to find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can also look up the waiting times on this site before you decide to sign up with a specific provider. If your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose pathway, they will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and when they started. This will help your doctor better know your symptoms and the impact on your life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner. Find out more about how you can exercise your Right to Choose on the NHS website here. It's important to note that the NHS currently does not offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. Even if you're diagnosed using this pathway, you may still not be able access the medication you need. There are a number of other routes to an ADHD diagnosis which include private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnosis of ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences like if you are trying to claim benefits like the Disabled Students allowance or reasonable accommodations at work. It is important to remember that stimulants prescribed for ADHD fall under the category of Class B drugs and are therefore subject to the restrictions of The Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature while taking these drugs, you could face an extensive fine or even jail time. In addition to the above in addition, if you're diagnosed ADHD through the NHS or privately, you will be entitled to disability benefits in the form of Attendance Allowance or Income Support depending on the severity of your condition. You'll need the letter from your healthcare provider which proves this, along with a copy of your medical records.