How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get a medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking an assessment.

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

When evaluating for ADHD healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of settings, such as at school, home or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.

A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times and having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not completing tasks and getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.

In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the test?

Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting 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 affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how they impact your life in detail.

The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.

You might have some tests taken as part of your assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these, too.

If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.

What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?

There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having trouble Getting Diagnosed With Adhd As An Adult an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult adhd diagnosis uk ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why.

In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.

Joining a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with others who understand.

How do I receive treatment?

Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.

It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated 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 individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.