How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means they may feel trapped in their current situation and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
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 an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during adhd diagnosis uk adults ?
The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could 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. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experience with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.