How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only 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 situation and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking diagnosis.

You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.

In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at home, school or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in frequently.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times or having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance.

In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for female 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 select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What happens during the process of assessment?

If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how to get diagnosed with adhd your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"

You may have to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays during your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in detail.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which could include medication.

It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.

You might have some tests done in the course of your examination, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical issues.

If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of things in your favor. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and Female determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason.

In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different between individuals. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with adhd diagnosis adults have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.

It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.