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 some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and need help to improve their life. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have faced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home and school or work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times and having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several things in your favor. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your issues including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. diagnosed with adhd as an adult is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you why.
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 might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on your local area. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It is time to invest in this area.