How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to explain 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 frequently.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who conducts 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 impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on where you are going for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss 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 prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed in time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical conditions Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of factors in your favor. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.