How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they feel trapped in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
diagnosing adult adhd can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the test?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your examination. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist, 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 then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your problems including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you have 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 might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and create health, social care and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.