How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get a diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.

You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.

When assessing for adhd diagnosis private healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and [Redirect Only] any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do regularly.

A specialist will consider all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years.

In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "how to get an adult adhd diagnosis to Get diagnosed with adhd in adults uk (enbbs.instrustar.com) do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being 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 may involve medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.

As part of the examination, you could be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical problems.

You may be self-referring, or [Redirect Only] using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.

What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?

You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors that favor you. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD tests. 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 try to rule out other causes of your problems like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports that are 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 to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with others who can relate to.

How can I receive treatment?

GPs can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.

It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce 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.