The Most Pervasive Issues With ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various settings, such as at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in frequently.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up with school or work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits 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 spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment process?
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 conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the examination. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several things in your favor. It can be harder for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. IamPsychiatry 'll also try to eliminate other causes of your issues including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be very positive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to receive treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.