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ADHD Diagnosis in the UK In the UK you have a legal right to choose the person who provides your specialist NHS mental health assessments. However, not all healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose ADHD. Panorama has been informed by whistleblowers and patients that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing drugs frequently without proper checks. We went undercover 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 to determine whether medication might aid. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms and the problems they cause. You will be asked about your personal and professional life. Some patients find it helpful to note notes of their symptoms prior to their appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. An assessment usually includes a 45-90 minute conversation with the psychiatrist. There are two methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment: the NHS or private. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and be prepared to refer you to an assessment. However the system isn't without its issues. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful medications for long periods of time and not considering the medical background of patients. If you are concerned about the attitude of your doctor to ADHD Try a different GP. On the Psychiatry UK website you can find a resource that includes templates and suggestions to submit your request. Private psychiatric services are faster and more professional, especially in London. The costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in screening adults from a variety of backgrounds and offer specific solutions, particularly in situations where you may be extremely intelligent or successful in your job. They can also screen and assist with co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression, that are often found along with ADHD. The Psychiatrist will assess your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you qualify for an ADHD diagnosis. You will need to demonstrate at least 6 characteristics (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have impacted on your past experiences. The Psychiatrist will then advise you of your options and the next steps. adhd private assessment IamPsychiatry can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants belong to the class B drug and therefore controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are only prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnosis? A diagnosis is the medical term used to describe an injury, disease or condition. A diagnosis is made by a doctor and is often followed by a treatment plan. 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. The term is frequently used in medical journals as well as in health-related articles. There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to a clinic or adult ADHD specialist. A private psychiatrist can also provide a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more knowledgeable in diagnosing ADHD in adults and are able to offer a quicker, more professional, and more understanding process. They also tend to have a better understanding of the other conditions that can cause confusion symptoms with ADHD like depression and anxiety. Once you have received a diagnosis you are able to discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This could include medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medical treatments like mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you want to take up the treatment option that best suits your needs. A diagnosis of ADHD can also allow you to get 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 with disabilities or illnesses need to do. If you're thinking about using stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat your ADHD be aware that these are class B drugs, which mean that they can potentially cause addiction. If you're worried your psychiatrist may refer you to an GP that can prescribe a treatment that isn't dependent on stimulants. Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult and frustrating process. There are a myriad of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS is often overwhelmed and under-funded, making it easy for GPs, and other health professionals, to dismiss or downplay any possible diagnosis. It is helpful to bring your symptoms for the examination and try to be as objective as you can when you describe them. How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis? You or your child may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in controlling the symptoms that can disrupt your life is to get an assessment. It's not an easy process, but it's important to remember that ADHD is not an indication of laziness or lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is also essential to realize that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. To determine your condition an expert will typically evaluate you by a combination of a detailed history and discussion about your current symptoms and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales created to detect ADHD in adults. They will then apply the criteria set out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) to arrive at a precise diagnose. The evaluator also interviews you and your family members, and may conduct medical or cognitive tests to determine any underlying causes of your symptoms. This could include thyroid issues and seizure disorders, which often have similar symptoms as ADHD. During the evaluation it is crucial to be open about your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school or at work. This will allow the evaluator to determine whether you have ADHD or a co-existing condition that is causing your symptoms. If you're considering treatment, your physician will talk to you about it after the assessment has been completed. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medication, however they can offer other kinds of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to seek a prescription from your physician who will prepare paperwork called a Shared care agreement for your GP that outlines the treatment you will receive through the NHS. Asking your friends and family members to recommend experts with expertise in ADHD evaluations for adults is a great idea before you go for a private assessment. You can also read reviews online about the local providers and find out more about their methods. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with a therapist who is experienced. Can I receive a diagnosis using Right to Choose? You have the right to select your mental health professional for an ADHD evaluation if you're an active member of the military service. You'll need to ensure that your GP will accept either full care or something called a 'shared care agreement' when your chosen provider discharges you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can find out which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them direct. You can check the waiting times of the providers on this site. You will be asked about your symptoms, including the time they began, if your GP refers to an ADHD specialist via the Right to Choose path. This will assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. Answer these questions honestly and clearly. On the NHS website, you can learn more about exercising Your Right to Choose. It is important to note that the NHS currently doesn't offer the titration of medications through the Right to Choose pathway. So, even if you are diagnosed via this route, you may not be able to access the medication you require. Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer quick and cheap diagnoses of ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences like the case if you want to claim benefits such as the Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable accommodations at work. It's important to note 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 convicted of committing an offense while taking these drugs, you could be liable for a significant fine or even jail time. In addition to the above, if you're diagnosed with ADHD through the NHS or privately, you'll be eligible for disability benefits in the form of Income Support and/or Attendance Allowance according to the severity of your condition. You'll need to provide the letter from your healthcare provider to prove this, along with a copy of your medical records.