How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP should 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 had in the past as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will 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. adhd uk diagnosis might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they impact your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests performed as part of the assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, too.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors in your favor. It can be more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like 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. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. 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 will tell you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. adhd uk diagnosis is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long time periods of titration.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many 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 governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.