20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking diagnosis.
You can get an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have had in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.
A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and how they impact your life in depth.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You might have some tests done as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.
If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of things in your favor. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue like anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you have 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 might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be very helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with others who understand.
How do adult adhd diagnosis uk get treatment?
Adults are 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 recognise these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of 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 such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies between individuals. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.