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 clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is adhd diagnosis uk which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will be observing you in various settings, including at home and school or work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will use criteria such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is a clear pattern that has been evident 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 an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is costly. It is crucial to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. 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 over time.
There may be tests done as part of your assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical issues.
If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance 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 struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to determine the cause of your issues like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
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 could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
How do I receive treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. 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.