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. go!! is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for the diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with school or work, having trouble staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.
What happens during the test?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
You might have some tests done as part of the assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors in your favor. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your symptoms including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and create health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.