How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.
In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your evaluation. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize the signs and how they impact your life in detail.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the assessment. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
There may be adhd diagnosis uk adults taken in the course of your examination like the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If adult adhd diagnosis uk having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer 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'll also try to determine the cause of your problems like anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. 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'll tell you the reason.
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 might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can be a great way to share your story with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found 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 health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.