How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in often.
A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. adhd diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. 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 identify the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the examination. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests done as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors that favor you. It can be harder for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem like depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
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 could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.