How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means they may feel trapped in their current circumstances and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have faced in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate 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 impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in often.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and adhd diagnosis uk adults Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
adhd diagnosis uk adults will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. 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've changed in time.
You might have some tests performed as part of your assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as 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. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that 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 difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
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 could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.