How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means 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 in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do frequently.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on where you are going for your assessment. It is crucial to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medications.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.
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 appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several factors that favor you. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. how is adhd diagnosed in adults ADHD Diagnosis could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.