How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.

Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How can I get an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled 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.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.

In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria, like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the assessment process?

Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.

The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of diagnosing adhd In adults to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.

Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time.

You might have some tests done as part of the assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.

You could 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 vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.

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

You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several things in your favor. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and diagnosing ADHD in adults ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD evaluations. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might have trouble finding 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 to a psychiatrist. 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.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.

It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with others who understand.

How can I get 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 example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.

It is inexcusable that many adults with 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 address this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and diagnosing ADHD in adults create health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.