How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can 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 specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will apply criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at school or work and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of conducting an assessment of 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 affect your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your examination. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. 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 impacted your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If how to get a diagnosis for adhd struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your problems like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you have 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. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very helpful and comforting and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people 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 correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and create health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.