How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past and your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in frequently.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day or having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in 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 important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest 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 are referred to by your GP. 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 impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. Filling out adhd uk diagnosis in a timely manner will prevent any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ 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 several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
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 may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. 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 accept these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment, notably 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 offer a much faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist 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. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.