10 Apps That Can Help You Manage Your ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for the diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the test?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on where you are going for your evaluation. It is crucial to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the examination. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.
There may be tests done as part of your assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors in your favor. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, such as if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. 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 accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will tell 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 area you live in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be a source of support and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How can I get treatment?
Adults can be referred 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 nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Iam Psychiatry with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.