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, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of 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. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your examination. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). adhd uk diagnosis will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical issues.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.
Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.