How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking diagnosis.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will 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.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have had in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school, having trouble staying focused on work that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
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 test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays during your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in detail.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that could include medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you have any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they require.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How do I get treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also be helpful 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. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.