How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking the diagnosis.

You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.

In assessing you for ADHD healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do frequently.

A specialist will review all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria, like being constantly active and fidgety, diagnosis possessing a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or school or diagnosis work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues.

What happens during the assessment?

The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

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 mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications.

It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and then over time.

You might have some tests done as part of your assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.

You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?

You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several things in your favor. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed with adhd diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they fit 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 issues. This is a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.

In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.

It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with adhd adult diagnosis, both in person and online. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experience with others who understand.

How can I receive treatment?

Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.