How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there is a clear pattern that has remained 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 of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily 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 have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified 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 unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about 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 easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples on 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 as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If diagnosis adhd 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 can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't 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 when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and 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 do not accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan long-term funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.