How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will use criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize the signs and how they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you go to the examination. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will need to give 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.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of 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, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You could also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid 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 reference. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and comforting. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can also be helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.