How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in often.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, "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?"
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. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions.
If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of factors that favor you. 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 diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue like depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be very helpful and comforting and can assist to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require from the NHS. adhd diagnosis adults must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line 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 can't be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It is time to invest in this area.