How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. adhd diagnosis uk adults is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. adhd uk diagnosis 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 that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You may have tests performed as part of your assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical issues.
If you are self-referring, or 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 scheduled appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors in your favor. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you 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, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason.
If you have 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 also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like 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.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs from person to. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.