How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means they may feel trapped in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you may have had in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and other activities you engage in regularly.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria, such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "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 need to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately 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 the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
You might have some tests performed as part of the assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.
If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors in your favor. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long titration periods.
Participating in 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 can also be helpful to share your experience with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these 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 health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. diagnosis for adhd that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People 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 a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.