How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
More suggestions may not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an appointment for a 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 professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In the last few 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 resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays during your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the 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 impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time.
You might have some tests taken as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. 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, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.