The Reason The Biggest "Myths" About ADHD Diagnosis Could Actually Be True
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for a diagnosis.
You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time or having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.
What happens during the test?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.
The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate 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 could include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
You might have some tests taken in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.
You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of factors that favor you. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long titration periods.
It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are 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 majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD differs from person to. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, such as 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 with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.