How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means they may feel stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. diagnosing adhd may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day or having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment process?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe might 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. It is important to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests performed as part of your assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical problems.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several things in your favor. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with 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 process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as well as 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 inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.