How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for a diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. adhd diagnosis uk adults should be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in various settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "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 have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your assessment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the examination. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests taken in the course of your examination like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.