How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for assistance. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they’ll observe you in various settings, such as at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty 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 situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the process of assessment?
If you’re self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?”
Depending on where to get diagnosed for adhd you go for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you’ll need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don’t get an answer to my question?
There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you’re having a hard time getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it’s not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don’t always think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group, either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It is also helpful to share your story with other people who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults can be referred to adhd diagnosis in adults uk specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these 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 often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. Most people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of people with adhd private diagnosis scotland. Some people with adhd diagnosis private uk have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of 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 isn’t sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.