How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and the ways they affect your life in detail.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, such as if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at 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, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports 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. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. adhd uk diagnosis are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for 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). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from 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 address this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.