How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately monitored. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis.
You can receive an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. visit the next post will take your concerns seriously and be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times or having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics 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 well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask 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 you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests performed as part of your assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You can also try to find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid 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 issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why.
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 could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your story with others who can relate to.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.