How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means they may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking an answer to a medical condition.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD, healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly.
A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day or having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused or keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and 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 ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. It is essential to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.
You may have tests performed in the course of your examination for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of things in your favor. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They'll also try to determine the cause of your problems like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. 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 that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell 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 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 your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with people who understand.
How can adult diagnosis adhd get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.