How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for help. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider 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.
To assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have had in the past and your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up at school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the test?
The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and how they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. 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 have changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of things in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
adhd uk diagnosis will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long time periods of titration.
Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also help to share your story with others who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example 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 valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.