How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they feel trapped in their current situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at school, home or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems.
If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private examination, you still have 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 receive a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting and can assist to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I get treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. 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 accept these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It is time to invest in this area.