How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can feel trapped in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in frequently.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass 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 symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you attend the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will need to give 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 how to get an adhd diagnosis uk of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.
If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of factors that favor you. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you have 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 also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your story with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.