How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. However how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences 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 families choose to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to 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 have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. If you have any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your issues, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. 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 get treatment?
Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.