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 evident that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly 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 some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only qualified to diagnose adhd how to get diagnosed in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
You can get an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how to get adhd diagnosis in adults they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is it worth getting an adhd diagnosis a clear pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of prominent individuals who can diagnose adhd in adults have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your 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 different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment, which may include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. 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 have changed in time.
There may be tests done as part of the assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in Adult diagnosis for adhd ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I get treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. private diagnosis of adhd clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with 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 correct this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.