How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will review all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter 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 for your evaluation There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify them and discuss how they impact your life in detail.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you have any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were born female or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
how to get adult adhd diagnosis is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and comforting. It can also help to share your experiences with other people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.