How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and need help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school, or work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The method 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 test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your evaluation. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you have any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were born female or if they have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not 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 in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
How do I receive treatment?
GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. Iam Psychiatry to invest.