How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This could result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will be observing you in various settings, including at home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider 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 ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other 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 discuss with you the treatment options, which may include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time.
You may have tests performed in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults 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 others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS investment in this area. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (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 have found that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.