How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, including at home, school, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do frequently.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times and having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the process of assessment?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by 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've changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, 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 are having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe 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 in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.