25 Unexpected Facts About ADHD Diagnosis
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 clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they can feel trapped in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for the diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is crucial to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting 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 impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You may have tests done in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were born female or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. adult adhd diagnosis uk applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very positive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at 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 offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.