How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do how to get an adhd diagnosis uk get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at home, school, or work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will apply criteria like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your assessment. It is important to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize the signs and how they impact your life in detail.
The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests performed as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
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 from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid 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 guideline. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your issues including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough procedure, 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 will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located 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 legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. Most people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and create health, social and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is now the time to invest in this area.