How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, like at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do frequently.
A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase 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, which can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the process of assessment?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your examination. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several factors that favor you. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who can relate to.
How do I receive treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.