How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for get diagnosed with adhd will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day or having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused or keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner 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 talk about 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 evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests taken as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors in your favor. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 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 local specialist 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, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social and judicial services together. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.