How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. adhd uk diagnosis will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in often.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will make use of criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical issues.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your issues including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe 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 seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.
Joining a support group whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Typically, these 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, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need 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 cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.