How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they feel trapped in their current situation and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at school, home, or work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment will look at all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities talking 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. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You might have some tests performed as part of your assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.
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You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform 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 could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and 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 recognise these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to care, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.
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