How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will make use of criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
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 an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting 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 affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed in time.
You may have tests performed in the course of your examination like a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll 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 do not receive an appointment?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. diagnose adhd can be helpful and reassuring. It can also help to share your story with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan long-term funding and commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.