How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones 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. They may feel stuck in their current situation and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for the diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in.
In assessing you for ADHD health experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times, having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that could include medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check 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 happens if I do not get an appointment?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, those who are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You could also find 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 to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. Iam Psychiatry could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs 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 an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. It 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 those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.