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 and support. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for the diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will use criteria, such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could result in 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 important to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately 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). adhd uk diagnosis will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
You might have some tests done as part of your assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors that favor you. It can be more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to rule out other causes of your issues like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. 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 a source of support and comforting. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example 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 often encounter blockages in their access to care including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.