How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means they may feel trapped in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in frequently.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing or keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the process of assessment?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting 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 you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed in time.
You may have tests done in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical conditions.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk think that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend 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 calm. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. 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 majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.
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 regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.