How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for the diagnosis.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is expensive. It is crucial to choose a doctor you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you 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 that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your evaluation. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the evaluation. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long intervals of titration.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your story with other people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties 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 diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs from person to. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.