How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in uncoordinated 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 health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means they may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in detail.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options, which may include medications.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. If you have any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
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 varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.
If you've 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 may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. diagnosed with adhd as an adult of people are treated using medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.