How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. 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 find out if I have a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they feel trapped in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is based on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your 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?"
Depending on the location you visit for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar 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 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 therapist will then discuss possible 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. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.
As part of the assessment you may have to undergo some tests, such as a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.
If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can offer a faster 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 will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
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 can relate to.
What can I do to receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are 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 significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.