How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have had in the past and your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your evaluation. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both 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 treatment options, which may include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for how to get an adhd diagnosis uk these, too.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several things in your favor. Some groups may have a difficult time getting 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're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. 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, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.
Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are 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, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.