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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 exams. Healthcare professionals may not all have the qualifications to recognize ADHD. Panorama has been told by whistleblowers and patients that private clinics diagnose ADHD and prescribing medication frequently without proper checks. We went undercover to learn more. What is an assessment? An assessment is a meeting with a psychiatrist to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and to determine if medication can aid. You will need to provide details of your symptoms and any problems they are causing. You will also be asked about your work and family life. Some patients find it helpful to note down their symptoms prior to their appointment. This is so they can remember them. A psychiatrist is typically spending 45 to 90 minutes with you during an assessment. There are two main methods to obtain an adult ADHD assessment The other is through the NHS or private. The GP should take any concerns about ADHD seriously and are willing to refer you to an assessment. However, the system is not without its flaws. The BBC's Panorama program raised concerns over doctors prescribing powerful drugs for long periods of time, and not considering the medical history of patients. If you're concerned about the attitude of your GP toward ADHD, consider finding another GP. There's a helpful resource on the Psychiatry-UK website which offers tips for doing this and templates for letters you can use to make your request. Private psychiatric care is much more efficient and professional, especially in London. The cost ranges from PS600 up to PS1,200. Private psychiatrists are experienced in assessing adults from diverse backgrounds and offer a tailored approach, especially in cases where you might be highly intelligent or successful in your career. They are also able to screen and assist with co-morbidities like anxiety and depression which are frequently present in conjunction with ADHD. The Psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms and apply the DSM V criteria to determine whether you are eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. You will have to show six characteristics (symptoms), which are present in your daily life, and how they have affected your previous experiences. The Psychiatrist then informs you of your options and the next steps. You may decide to begin treatment, which may involve stimulants such as methylphenidate. Stimulants fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act and are therefore controlled. They are only prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council. What is a diagnostic? A diagnosis is the medical term used to identify an injury, disease or condition. A doctor will make diagnosis and often follow it with an action plan. The diagnosis is an essential element of the curriculum for medical students, and it is an integral part in the training of doctors in all areas of medicine. Medical journals frequently use the word “diagnosis” and is often included in periodicals about health care. There are many 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. A private psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis. Private psychiatrists are more experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults and provide a faster more efficient, professional and more empathetic process. They are also more aware of other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD such as anxiety and depression. You can discuss your treatment options with a psychiatrist once you have been diagnosed. This can include medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), along with other non-medicated treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. You then have the option of deciding if you'd like to pursue the treatment that is most suitable for your requirements. In addition to allowing you to seek treatment for your ADHD The diagnosis can aid you in getting reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). In the case of DSA this is crucial because it assists with daily activities that people with disabilities or illnesses need to do. If you are thinking about trying stimulants such as methylphenidate for your ADHD be aware that they are class B drugs which means that they could cause addiction. If you're concerned your psychiatrist may refer you to a GP who can prescribe a treatment with no stimulants. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a challenging and frustrating process. There are a variety of aspects to take into consideration and the NHS system is usually over stressed and under-funded and it is very easy for GPs or other health professionals to ignore or downplay a potential diagnosis. It is a good idea to take a list of your symptoms to the appointment and try to be as objective as you can when you describe the symptoms. How can I obtain a medical diagnosis? If you think you or your child may have ADHD, the first step in gaining control over symptoms that can cause disruption to your life is to get diagnosed. It can be a difficult process, but it's important to remember that ADHD is not a sign of lazyness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurobiological disorder. private adhd assessment cost is important to understand that the right treatment will help you manage your ADHD and improve your overall quality of life. To determine your condition an expert will typically assess you through the combination of a thorough background and discussion of your current symptoms, and also analyze the results from questionnaires and scales designed to identify ADHD in adults. They then apply the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to make an accurate diagnosis. The evaluator will also interview you and your family members, and may conduct medical tests or cognitive tests to determine any root causes behind your symptoms. This could include things such as seizures and thyroid disorders which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. During the evaluation it is crucial to be forthcoming about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, at school or at work. This is so that the examiner can determine whether or not you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis, or a co-existing condition that is contributing to your symptoms. After the assessment is completed, your clinician will discuss your options regarding medication if you are considering them. GPs are not allowed to prescribe ADHD medication. However, they are able to provide other mental health treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). If you decide to get a prescription from your clinician who will prepare paperwork called a Shared Care Agreement for your GP that specifies the treatment you will receive on the NHS. Asking your family and friends for recommendations on professionals who have experience in ADHD evaluations for adults is a good idea before you go for an individual assessment. You can also search online for reviews of providers in your area and read about the various approaches they employ. You can also make use of BetterHelp's simple service to get matched within a matter of 48 hours with an experienced therapist. Can I get a diagnosis through Right to Choose? If you're an active member of the Armed Forces, you have the right to choose which mental health provider 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 the chosen provider has discharged you and prescribes treatment (usually CBT therapy or medication). Contacting the provider directly will allow you to find out if they are covered by contracts with NHS. You can also check the waiting time on this website before you decide to go with a particular provider. You will be asked about your symptoms, and the time they began, if your GP refers you to an ADHD specialist through the Right to Choose path. This will assist your doctor to understand the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. Answer these questions with honesty and clarity. On the NHS website, you can learn more about how to exercise Your Right to Choose. The NHS does not currently provide the option of titration for medicines through the Right to Choose path. Therefore, even if you're diagnosed using this route, you may not be eligible for the medication you require. There are a number of alternatives to an ADHD diagnosis, including private clinics. BBC's Panorama recently exposed private clinics that offer rapid and inexpensive diagnoses of ADHD. These practices could have serious consequences like when you attempt to claim benefits like the Disabled Students Allowance or other reasonable accommodations at work. It's worth noting that the stimulants prescribed for ADHD are classified as Class B drugs and are therefore subject to limitations under the Misuse of Drugs Act. If you're found guilty of committing an offense of a criminal nature while taking these medicines, you could face an enormous fine and/or prison. 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 Attendance Allowance and/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.