How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for the diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To determine how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , they'll observe you in different situations, including at school, home or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment 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 impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests done as part of the assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too.
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 assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several things in your favor. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. You may also find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If sell believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why.
In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your story with others who understand.
How do I receive treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. 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 at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, the 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 this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.