How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they feel trapped in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.

When assessing for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. 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 may also ask 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 making diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years.

In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people talking about their experiences of Being Diagnosed With Adhd In Adulthood diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the assessment?

Whether you're self-referring or getting diagnosed with adhd in adulthood recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"

You may be required to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. 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.

You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.

If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.

What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?

There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

If you've 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 get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.

Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also help to share your story with other people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.

It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.