How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. 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 stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire 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 diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting 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 that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify the signs and the ways they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified 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 may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
There may be tests taken as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine for any medical issues.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors in your favor. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you have 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 might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be helpful and calm. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are 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, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, adhd uk diagnosis for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.