How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an 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 ones certified 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 period. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. adult adhd diagnosis uk will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts 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 that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize 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 assess your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't 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 for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.
You might have some tests performed in the course of your examination like the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at 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 for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason.
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 also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I receive treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from individual to individual. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It is time to invest in this area.