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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. 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.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
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. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect 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 high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out 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 symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the examination. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.
As part of the examination, you may have to undergo some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if adhd diagnosis uk adults don't have a diagnosis?
There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your problems, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If adhd uk diagnosis think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.