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 clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means they may feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect 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 forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You may have tests performed as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem like depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting 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 in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with others who understand.
How do I receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.