How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
In assessing you 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 be observing you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment process?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed in time.
There may be tests performed in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors that favor you. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform 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 have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and 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, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding 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 which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.