How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will apply criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories 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 opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
adhd adult diagnosis uk will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You might have some tests done as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of things in your favor. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for example they might 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 the GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you the reason.
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 might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend 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 in person and on the internet. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. Most often, these services 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 large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.