How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
ADHD is adhd uk diagnosis of the mind and is only diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and in desperate need of help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have had in the past and your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various settings, such as at home, school or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and how they impact your life in detail.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed in time.
You may have tests done as part of the assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll 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 happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your problems like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and calm. It is also helpful to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding 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 dose. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.