How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with 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 prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking an answer to a medical condition.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is costly. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your assessment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how they affect your life in detail.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
There may be tests taken as part of the assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if 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 having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You could also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. 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 tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. adult adhd diagnosis uk may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan 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 can be a great way to share your story with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist 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 a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.