How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times and having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused or keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify the signs and how they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed in time.
As part of the assessment you may have to undergo some tests, such as an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with others who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. getting an adhd diagnosis adhddiagnosis -drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.