How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various situations, such as at home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in frequently.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. It is crucial to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine for any medical problems.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide an earlier 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 determine the cause of your problems like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you the reason.
If you've 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 could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How can I receive treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. adhd diagnosis for adults from PS500 to 1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.