How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for an answer to a medical condition.
You can get an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have faced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various settings, such as at school, home, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times or having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting 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 affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on where you are going for your assessment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. 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 have changed in time.
You might have some tests done as part of your assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster 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 guideline. They will also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much 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 in titrating the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
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. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.
