How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.

Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an medical add diagnosis as an adult?

ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis.

You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.

To assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about 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.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day or having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.

In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with adhd as an adult diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.

What happens during the test?

The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"

You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and the ways they affect your life in detail.

The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified 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 possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the evaluation. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.

As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, like 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 have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, such as when you 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 having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.

It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.

What can I do to receive treatment?

GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without 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 vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It is time to invest in this area.