How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately monitored. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.
You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess adhd uk diagnosis will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or 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 overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is essential to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or 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 condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check for any medical issues.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding 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 is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases.
Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these 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 health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.