How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and in desperate need of help. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, how to diagnose adhd might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times or having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify them and discuss how they affect 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 examine your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner 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.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
If you self-refer or 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 from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors in your favor. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms including 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 if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on your local area. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to. The most common 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 education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and create health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It is time to invest in this area.