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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that is only diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here 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 circumstances and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in often.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day or having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a 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 discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medication.
It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your problems, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, adhd diagnosis as an adult both in person and online. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also help to share your story with others who can relate to.
How can I get treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up 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 impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.