How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least 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 with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the test?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk 's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform 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 also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be very positive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to care including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to. The majority of people are treated using medication. 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. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.