How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and need help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly.
adhd diagnosis uk will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing or keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays during your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You may have tests performed in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, too.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors that favor you. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your problems like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People 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 essential to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.