How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren’t adequately regulated. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and desperate for help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking an assessment.
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 be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past and your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will apply criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities 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 their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms.
What happens during the process of assessment?
The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?”
You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you’re going to for your evaluation. It is essential to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment won’t be delayed. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how do i get a diagnosis for adhd long does it take to get diagnosed With adhd (pediascape.science) they impact your life in detail.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they’re caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medication.
It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time.
You may have tests taken as part of your assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.
If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don’t have an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance that they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.
If you’re having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your issues like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it’s not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don’t meet the criteria, they will inform you why.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a add diagnosis in adults of ADHD. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on your local area. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don’t usually plan long titration phases.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with others who understand.
how get diagnosed with adhd can I receive treatment?
GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn’t sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.