How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will apply criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work and having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your examination. It is crucial to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the requirements, they will 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. diagnosis of adhd could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting and can assist to discuss your experiences with others who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. Most people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.