How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones 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 period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria, for example, being perpetually distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who conducts the assessment 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 that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a 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 clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical problems.
If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were born female or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, 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 when your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you why.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long time periods of titration.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
What can I do to receive treatment?
GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker 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 the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.