How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.
You may have tests taken in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors in your favor. It can be harder for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also try to determine the cause of your problems like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can adult adhd diagnosis uk receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are 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, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care, 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 circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.