How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can feel stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking the diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medications.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the evaluation. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of things in your favor. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For adult adhd diagnosis uk when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be very positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.