How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will examine all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up with school or 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 situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose a doctor you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that could include medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually 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'll also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located 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 treatment, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan long-term funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.