How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and desperate for help. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
When evaluating 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 assess your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss how they impact your life in detail.
The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests taken as part of the assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. 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?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to rule out other causes of your problems, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are getting diagnosed with adhd diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence 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. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.