How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise 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 expensive. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are 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 you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies adult adhd diagnosis uk from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors that favor you. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were born female or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be very helpful and comforting and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
How do I get treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most popular treatment is medication, which 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 suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.