How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can be confusing for those who are looking for a diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in frequently.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise 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 avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of 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 issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the evaluation. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests done as part of your assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to determine the cause of your problems like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, 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 could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I get treatment?
Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.