How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about 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 look at all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause 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 crucial to choose a doctor you can trust and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical problems.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't 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, for example, those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem like anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration.
Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster 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 until the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from person to person. Most people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.