How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for Adhd diagnosis uk adults a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis.

You can get a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.

To assess your adhd adult diagnosis healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will use criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.

In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the test?

Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"

Depending on the location you visit for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and Adhd diagnosis uk Adults symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time.

You may have tests done as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues.

If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.

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

You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of things in your favor. It can be harder for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, such as if you are a person 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 trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.

Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. 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, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.

It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.