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 evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequality.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking diagnosis.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.

In assessing you for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently.

A specialist will review all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will apply criteria like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.

In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your health issues.

What happens during the assessment process?

If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.

The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.

Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and over time.

As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine for any medical problems.

If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis for adhd in Adults?

There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, diagnosis for adhd in adults Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.

How do I receive treatment?

Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of those with adhd adult diagnosis. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.