How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How can I get diagnosed for adhd a medical diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means they may feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking add diagnosis as an adult.

You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.

In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To determine your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to describe 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 do on a regular basis.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.

In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories 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. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the assessment?

If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how to Get Adhd diagnosis uk adults they impact your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms 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 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 medications.

Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time.

You might have some tests taken as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, too.

You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment 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 have a diagnosis?

There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your issues including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you the reason.

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases.

It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like 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 discovered that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.