How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means they may feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.
In assessing you for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times or having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with 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. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments 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 health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. adhd diagnosis uk adults doing 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 affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the evaluation. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.
You might have some tests taken as part of your assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is time to invest in this area.