How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for a diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will use criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. It is crucial to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately 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 unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
You may have tests taken as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors in your favor. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were born female or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
adhd diagnosis uk adults is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies between individuals. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require on the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.