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ADHD Diagnosis in the UK In the UK you have the legal right to choose the person who offers your specialized NHS mental health examinations. However, not all healthcare professionals are certified to determine ADHD. Panorama has been told by patients and whistleblowers that some private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication, often without proper tests. We went undercover to learn more. What is an assessment? An assessment is a session with a psychiatrist to discuss how ADHD affects your life and to see if medication can aid. You'll be asked to provide details of your symptoms and any problems that they may be causing. You will be asked questions about your work and family life. Some patients find it beneficial to note notes of their symptoms prior to the appointment. They can then recall their symptoms. A psychiatrist will typically spend 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment. You can obtain an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS or privately. Doctors must take any concerns regarding ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you for an assessment. However the system isn't without 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 background of patients. If you are concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD you should consider seeking out a different GP. There is a good site on Psychiatry-UK which offers tips for doing this, as well as templates for letters you can use to submit your request. Private psychiatric services offer the fastest and most expert diagnosis, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists have experience of conducting assessments of adults with diverse backgrounds and can provide an individual approach, particularly when you are likely to be highly knowledgeable or have a successful career. They can also test for and provide assistance with any co-morbidities that are commonly found alongside ADHD such as depression and anxiety. The Psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms based on the DSM V criteria and determines if you meet the criteria of an ADHD diagnosis. You will be required to demonstrate six traits (symptoms) that are present in your life today and how they have affected your previous experiences. The Psychiatrist will inform you on your options and the next steps. You may choose to start treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants are a class B drug, and are subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. They can only be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnosis? A diagnosis is a medical term used to describe a disease, injury or condition. A diagnosis is made by a doctor and is often followed by a treatment plan. The diagnosis is a major element of the curriculum for medical students and is an integral part in the training of doctors across all areas of medicine. Medical journals often use the word “diagnosis” and is often included in periodicals about health care. There are a variety of ways to receive an ADHD diagnosis in the UK. One method is to go to your GP and ask them to refer you to an adult ADHD specialist or a clinic. Another option is to seek an appointment with a private psychiatrist who will make a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists generally have a lot of experience in diagnosing adults with ADHD and can provide the most rapid, competent and knowledgeable process. They are also more aware of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, like anxiety and depression. If you've received a diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your psychiatrist. This may include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) along with other non-medicated therapies such relaxation or mindfulness techniques. You can decide which treatment option best suits your requirements. A diagnosis of ADHD can also assist you to receive reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In the case of DSA this is crucial because it assists with daily activities that those who suffer from disabilities or illnesses require to be able to carry out. If you're thinking of using stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD, be aware that they are class B substances which means that they could cause addiction. If you are worried about this, your psychiatrist can refer you to a GP who can prescribe a different kind of treatment that doesn't contain stimulants. adhd assessment private cost can be frustrating and challenging to receive an ADHD diagnosis. There are many factors to consider and the NHS is often overstretched and under-resourced, so it's easy for GPs, and other health professionals to dismiss or minimize any potential diagnosis. It is helpful to take a list of your symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as you can when describing them. How can I get a medical diagnosis? Your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. The first step in addressing the symptoms that could disrupt your life is to obtain an diagnosis. It is a psychological process, but it is crucial to recognize that the disorder is not an indication of lazyness or lack of intelligence; it is merely a neurological condition. It is also important to recognize that the proper treatment can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and improve your quality of life. A qualified professional will identify you by combining a thorough history, a review of your present symptoms, and analyzing the results of questionnaires and scales that are designed to determine 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 or cognitive tests to rule out any root causes behind your symptoms. This could include things like thyroid disorders and seizure conditions which may have similar symptoms as ADHD. During the evaluation it is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life at home, school or at work. This is so that the evaluator will be able to determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis or a co-existing disorder that is contributing to your symptoms. If you're thinking about taking medication, your doctor will discuss it after the assessment has been completed. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments like CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to go for an appointment, your therapist will draft a document for your GP called a Shared Care Agreement which outlines what treatment you will receive on the NHS and with whom. Before you go for an individual diagnosis it is a good idea to ask your friends and family for recommendations of experts who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also search online for reviews of the providers in your area and learn about the various approaches 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. Can I receive 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 recommended to for an ADHD assessment. If your chosen doctor has prescribed treatment (usually medication or cognitive behavioral therapy) it is your responsibility to ensure that your GP accepts either full care, or something called a shared care agreement. Contacting the provider directly will let you find out if they have agreements with NHS. You can also check the waiting time on this website before you decide to go 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 the time when they began. This will help your doctor better understand your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Answer these questions in a clear and honest manner. On the NHS website you can find out more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently provide an titration of medications through the Right to Choose path. Therefore, even if you get diagnosed through this route, you may not be in a position to get 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 diagnoses for people with ADHD. These shortcuts could have serious consequences like the case if you want to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other 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're found guilty of committing an offence of criminal intent while taking these drugs you could face a substantial fine and/or imprisonment. If you're diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, whether through the NHS or privately you may be entitled to disability benefits, such as Income Support, Attendance Allowance or both, based on the severity. You'll also have to provide a written confirmation from the provider proving this, along with the copy of your medical records.