How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren’t properly regulated. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they can feel stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
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 assess your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis of adult adhd will be made based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase of adhd diagnosis in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential where to diagnose adhd locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.
What happens during the assessment?
If you’re self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?”
Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medications.
It’s worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact 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 have changed in time.
You may have tests taken in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too.
If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I do not get an appointment?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you’re struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It’s also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It’s a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It’s also possible that you won’t be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don’t meet the criteria, they’ll tell you the reason.
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 be able to get 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 are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don’t always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults can be 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 national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential where to get adhd diagnosed reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It’s time to invest.