ADHD Diagnosis: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. 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 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 often.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking 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 waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is crucial to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed in time.
There may be tests performed in the course of your examination for example, 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 look for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. Click On this site varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance 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 trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside 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 and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration.
Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How can I receive treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and provide health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.