How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals 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 situation, and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. adhd diagnoses is dependent on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your examination. It is important to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, 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 may involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in 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 had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
You may have tests taken as part of your assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance 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 a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your issues like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialists 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.