ADHD Diagnosis 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can feel stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "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 a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your assessment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth.
The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests done as part of the assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems.
You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP will agree to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also help to share your experience with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from one person to another. diagnose adhd are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.