How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can create problems 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 who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking the diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.
In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at school, home, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will use criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences 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 undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment process?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your evaluation. It is important to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. adhd diagnosis uk adults will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
There may be tests performed in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of things in your favor. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be 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 think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although the 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. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require 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 that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.