How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately monitored. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at home, school, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask you 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?"
You may be required to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is crucial to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.
You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
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 provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. adhd uk diagnosis can be a very thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform 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 access medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on your local area. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long intervals of titration.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.