How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions 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 need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your 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 be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed in time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical problems.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
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 be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your issues like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding 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 when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.