How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.

It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.

When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced 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 affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, adhd adult diagnosis your relationships, and other activities you engage in frequently.

A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.

In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your medical conditions.

What happens during the test?

The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect 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 different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.

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 are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.

It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and over time.

There may be tests taken in the course of your examination like a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.

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

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

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

If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult adhd diagnosis ADHD assessments. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require.

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

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.

It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be supportive and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.

How can I get treatment?

GPs can recommend adults to specialists ADHD 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 nationwide adhd diagnosis for adults diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in Adhd Adult Diagnosis. They also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from one person to another. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It is time to invest in this area.