How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have faced in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do frequently.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
There may be tests done in the course of your examination, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your story with other people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.