How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. adhd diagnosis uk adults will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will use criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your assessment. It is essential to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a 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 then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your issues, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you've 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 might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide 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 rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies between individuals. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.