What The Heck What Exactly Is ADHD Diagnosis?
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis.
It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in often.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making an assessment. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences with 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 families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What issues do you face at home?", "How do how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
There may be tests performed as part of the assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical issues.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain 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 issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.
Joining a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with others who understand.
How do I receive treatment?
Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.