How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do frequently.
A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories 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. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, like the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
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 might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You could also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. how to get diagnosed with adult adhd is a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to. Most people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.