How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. 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 regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. 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've changed over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You could 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 varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of factors in your favor. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If adult adhd diagnosis uk think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.
How can I get treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. 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, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.