How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via 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 specialists for an evaluation. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you 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 engage in often.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will apply criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The procedure 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 questions about your symptoms and how they impact your 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 have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed in time.
As part of the assessment you may have to undergo some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical problems.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors in your favor. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It's a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the requirements, they will inform 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 may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and calm. It can also help to share your story with others who understand.
How do I get treatment?
GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't 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 insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.