How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find a diagnosis.

You can get an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available.

To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, including at school, home or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.

A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria, for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.

In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.

What happens during the assessment process?

The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "how can i get an adhd diagnosis does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"

You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your examination. It is important to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.

The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses 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 condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and over time.

As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.

You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to present 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 to a psychiatrist. 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 are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you why.

In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who can diagnosis adhd (Technetbloggers`s recent blog post) will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration.

It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.

How can I receive treatment?

Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.

It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.