How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
In adhd uk diagnosis to assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medications.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
There may be tests done as part of the assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. learn more 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 majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. It is time to invest in this area.