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 evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means they may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
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 resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This 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 can be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure 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 questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses 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 discuss treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.
There may be tests done as part of the assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of things in your favor. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
Iam Psychiatry can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be supportive and comforting. It is also helpful to share your story with other people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy 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 precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different 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). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.