How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

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

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for test those who are seeking diagnosis.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.

In order to assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times and having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance.

In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the assessment process?

The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and adhd adult diagnosis symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.

Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.

You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.

You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?

There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your issues, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle 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 is willing 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 are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.

In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.

Joining a support group, either in person or online, for adults with adhd diagnosis adults can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand.

How can I receive treatment?

GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD 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 nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.