How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do often.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time and having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
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 life, such as "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?"
Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you have any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't receive an appointment?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of things in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.
How can cognitive-behavioral therapy get treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.