How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
It is possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. They will ask you 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 that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning, and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts 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 that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed in time.
As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical issues.
If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors that favor you. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were born female or if they have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experience with others who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, adhd uk diagnosis of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.