How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently.
A specialist will review all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your examination. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
You may have tests performed as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is willing to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be very supportive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I get treatment?
Adults are directed 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, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medications. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.