How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. adult adhd diagnosis uk includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at home, school, or 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 that you do often.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "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 various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they impact your life in detail.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment, which may include medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.
If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though 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?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster 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 determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social and judicial services together. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.