How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination 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 you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often.
adult adhd diagnosis uk will take into consideration all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person 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 have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You might have some tests taken in the course of your examination like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some groups of people to be diagnosed, such as if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your issues, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
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 might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
Joining a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD 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 national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.