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ADHD Diagnosis in the UK In the UK you have the legal right to select who will conduct your NHS mental health assessments. Some healthcare professionals do not have the necessary qualifications to be able to diagnose ADHD. Panorama has been informed by patients and whistleblowers that private clinics are diagnosing ADHD and prescribing drugs, often without proper checks. We went undercover to find out more. What is an assessment of a project? A psychiatrist will meet with you to discuss the impact of ADHD on your life and whether medication can aid you. You'll be asked to provide information about your symptoms and any issues they cause. You will also be asked about your family and work life. Some patients find it beneficial to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is to help them recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will usually spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment. You can have an adult ADHD evaluation through the NHS or privately. The GP must take ADHD concerns seriously and recommend you to an assessment. However, the system is not without flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not considering the medical background of patients. If you're worried about the attitude of your GP towards ADHD, consider finding another GP. On the website of Psychiatry-UK there is a resource that includes templates and guidelines for making your request. Private psychiatric treatment can provide a much speedier and more expert diagnosis, especially in London. Costs typically range from PS600 to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are skilled in the assessment of adults from diverse backgrounds, and are able to provide a tailored treatment plan, especially if you are highly educated or have a thriving career. They can also screen for and assist with co-morbidities such as depression and anxiety which are frequently found along with ADHD. The Psychiatrist assesses your symptoms using the DSM V criteria and determines whether you are in the range of an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show at least six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have had an impact on your previous experiences. The Psychiatrist will then inform you on your options and next steps. You can decide to begin treatment that involves stimulants like methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They must be prescribed only by a psychiatrist or doctor registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnostic? A diagnosis is a term used in medicine that means the identification of a condition, illness or injury. A diagnosis is made by a doctor and is often followed by a treatment plan. The process of diagnosis is an integral component of the medical school curriculum and is an integral part of the education of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word “diagnosis” and is frequently used in periodical articles about health care. There are many methods to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One way is to see your GP and ask for referral to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. A private psychiatrist can also make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and can provide a faster professional, more thorough and more empathetic process. They are also more aware of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD, like anxiety and depression. You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you've been diagnosed. This can include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other non-medication treatments such as relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can choose which treatment option is best suited to your requirements. A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. This is particularly important in the case of DSA, as it helps those who suffer from disabilities and illnesses with their daily activities. If you're considering stimulants such as methylphenidate to treat ADHD Be aware that these are class B drugs that can cause addiction. If you're concerned about this, your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different type of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants. It can be frustrating and challenging to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration as well as the NHS system is usually over overwhelmed and under-funded which means it can be very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or minimize a possible diagnosis. You could bring a list or symptoms to the assessment and try to be objective when describing your symptoms. How do I obtain a diagnosis? If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD The first step to gain control over symptoms that can disrupt life is getting a diagnosis. It's a challenging process, but it's crucial to keep in mind that ADHD is not a sign laziness or a lack of intelligence. It is an underlying neurobiological disorder. It is important to understand that the correct treatment can help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life. A professional will diagnose you by combining a thorough history and a detailed discussion of your current symptoms, and analyzing the results of the questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD among adults. They then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the most accurate diagnosis. In addition to interviewing you and people close to you, the evaluator might be required to conduct cognitive testing or medical exams to rule out any underlying reasons for your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions that can have similar symptoms as ADHD. During the assessment it is important to be honest about your symptoms, and how they affect you at home, work or school. This is so that the evaluator will be able to determine if you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition which is causing your symptoms. Once the assessment is complete the doctor will discuss your options regarding medication in the event that you are considering them. GPs cannot prescribe ADHD medication, but they can provide other types of mental health treatments, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you choose to obtain an appointment with your doctor who will prepare paperwork called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive on the NHS. Asking your friends and family members for recommendations of professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea prior to taking an assessment in private. You can also read online reviews about providers in your locality and learn more about their methods. Alternatively, you can try BetterHelp's user-friendly service to be the right therapist within 48 hours. 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 provider you're directed to for an ADHD assessment. You'll need to make sure that your GP will accept either full care or a'shared care agreement' once the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually medication or CBT therapy). You can find out which providers have these agreements with the NHS by calling them directly. You can check the waiting times of the providers on this site. You will be asked about your symptoms, including the time they began when you GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will aid your doctor in understanding the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. It is crucial to answer these questions honestly and clearly. On the NHS website you can find out more about how you can exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently provide a titration for medications via the Right to Choose path. If you are diagnosed via this method, you might not be able to access the medication you need. Private clinics are among the other ways to get an ADHD diagnosis. The BBC's Panorama program recently exposed private clinics that provide affordable, quick diagnosis for those suffering from ADHD. These methods can have serious consequences if you're trying to claim benefits such as Disabled Students Allowance or reasonable adjustments at work, for example. It's important to remember that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs which means they are subject to restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of an offence of criminal intent when you're taking these medications, you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment. If adhd assessment private with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be eligible for benefits for disabled people such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the degree of the disorder. You'll need a letter from your provider which proves this, as well as the medical records.