How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This may 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 an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is get diagnosed adhd adhddiagnosis of the mind, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will use criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist, 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 another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical issues.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of things in your favor. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting and can assist to discuss your experiences with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They 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 dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require on the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from 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 crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.