How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. adhd diagnosis uk adults may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times and having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
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 who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "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 the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is crucial to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of things in your favor. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred by 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 always plan for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is time to invest in this area.