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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is adult adhd diagnosis of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. 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 affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.





In recent months there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What happens during the assessment?

The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your 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?"

Depending on where you go to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects 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 your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.

It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.

You may have tests taken as part of your assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.

You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of things in your favor. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your issues including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

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

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 are diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.

Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.

How can I receive treatment?

Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and create health, social and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.