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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is differential diagnosis that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they feel trapped in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various settings, such as at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the test?
The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.
You might have some tests done as part of the assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine for any medical problems.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of factors in your favor. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression 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 if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How do I receive treatment?
Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist 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 an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential 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 is now the time to invest in this area.
