How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only 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). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.
In assessing you for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences of 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. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Filling out 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 talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment, which may include medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors in your favor. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster 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 rule out other possible causes of your problem, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This can be a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. getting a adhd diagnosis is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence on these is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.