How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.
When evaluating for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. I Am Psychiatry has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "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?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs 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 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 clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medications.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and over time.
You might have some tests performed in the course of your examination for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your issues like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they may 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. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be very helpful and comforting and can assist to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.
How do I receive treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance 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 situation cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.