20 Myths About ADHD Diagnosis: Dispelled

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 clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How can I get an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking diagnosis.

You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.

When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at school, home or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.

A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being diagnosed with adhd as an adult extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences being getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be costly. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the test?

Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter 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 going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate 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.

It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult adhd diagnosis ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time.

You may have tests done in the course of your examination, such as 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 using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary 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?

You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of things in your favor. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.

Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with people who understand.

How do I get treatment?

GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.