How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at home, school or at work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria, such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "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?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. diagnosis for adhd in adults 'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed in time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. If you have any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some categories 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 diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.
Joining a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also help to share your experience with others who can relate to.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.