How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for help. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. 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 you engage in often.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred 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 have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is important to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a 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 treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll 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 have an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For adult adhd diagnosis uk when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist 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 denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.