How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria for example, being perpetually distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate 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 could include medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This is a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be helpful and comforting. adhd uk diagnosis can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. 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, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.