How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking the diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The process 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 test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way 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 then over time.
You might have some tests taken as part of your assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors that favor you. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer a much faster 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 reasons for your symptoms 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 won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and calm. It is also helpful to share your story with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.