How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. adhd uk diagnosis is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that is only diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have had 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. You will be asked 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 you engage in often.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed in time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as if you are a person of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your issues, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be supportive and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist 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 healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.