How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from 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 are not sufficiently controlled. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized knowledge. Iam Psychiatry includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. However, the NHS can be a challenge 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 may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do often.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will make use of criteria like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work, having trouble staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known 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 for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. 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 impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself 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, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always 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 discuss your experiences with people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.