How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various settings, including at home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will review all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will apply criteria like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise 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 qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of things in your favor. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you've 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 be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. I Am Psychiatry will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can be a great way to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Most often, these services 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan long-term funding and commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.