How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for assistance. However how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will use criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get 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 example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact 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 overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the examination. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.
As part of the assessment you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of things in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your issues like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be very helpful and comforting and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to care including long wait 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 out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding 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 anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.