How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do how to get diagnosed with adhd uk affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess 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 medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medications.
Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time.
There may be tests taken as part of your assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, too.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get an appointment?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors that favor you. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker 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 reference. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they require.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
If you've 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 may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long time periods of titration.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically 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 don't accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as 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. Certain people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan long-term funding and provide health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.