How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. 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.
In assessing you for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you 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 do on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria, like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The method 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 questions about your symptoms and how they affect 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 may be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. It is important to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise the signs and how they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.
Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different between individuals. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.