How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
diagnose adult adhd may not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect 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?"
You may need to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects 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 examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You may have tests done as part of the assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical issues.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several things in your favor. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your problems including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.