How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report 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 are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times and having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the test 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 that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medications.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests done in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for the referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. link may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. 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 an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How do I receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.