How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally adhd uk diagnosis have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means they may feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending 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 to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss how they impact your life in detail.
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 go over with you the treatment options that may include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you attend the examination. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
There may be tests performed as part of the assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the 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 are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD 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 understand.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. 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 reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.