How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This may result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of settings, such as at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in frequently.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could 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 assessment. It is important to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects 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 your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests performed in the course of your examination like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It's a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How do I receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically 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 recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. adhd uk diagnosis assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies from person to. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. adhd diagnosis uk adults can't be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.