How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that 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.
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How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking an answer to a medical condition.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at school, home, or work. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
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 questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they impact your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having a hard time getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. The most popular 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 like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.
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