How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended 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 impact your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays during your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed in time.
There may be tests performed in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of things in your favor. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were born female or if they have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide if 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. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. diagnosing adhd in adults uk recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their 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 on these is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan long-term funding and provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and the society. It is time to invest in this area.