How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will also observe you in different settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. adult diagnosis adhd will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families 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 be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize 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 healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and 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 difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having difficulty 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 service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue like depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to get 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 medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand.
How do I receive treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan long-term funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.