How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and are desperate for help. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various settings, including at the workplace, school or at home 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 social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment process?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will typically include 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're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medications.
Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. 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 affected your life in all areas 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 might suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster 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 determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing 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 have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.