How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to describe 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 often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times and having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up at school or at work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
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 a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. It is crucial to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify them and discuss how they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately 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 therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you have any other medical problems your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although 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 from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your problems like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with others who understand.
How can I get treatment?
GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Typically, these 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, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
adhd uk diagnosis at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose 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 is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could 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. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.