How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequalities.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking an answer to a medical condition.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.

When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of settings, such as at school, home or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you engage in regularly.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at least six years.

In recent months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the test?

Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on the location you visit 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 won't be delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.

The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.

It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult adhd private diagnosis as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.

As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems.

You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is 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 get an appointment?

You may be diagnosed with adhd diagnosed in adulthood [Read the Full Post] in the event that you have a number of factors that favor you. It can be harder for certain groups 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 conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're struggling to get diagnosis for adhd an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.

It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you why.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration.

Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can be a great way to share your story with others who understand.

How can I receive treatment?

Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, 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 rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from adhd how to get diagnosed have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People with adhd self diagnosis need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.