How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking 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 will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose 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 the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays during your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed in time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your issues like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically 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 recognise these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. adhd uk diagnosis can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most commonly used 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 their diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.