How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they feel trapped in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However the NHS isn't always easy 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 consider your concerns seriously and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in regularly.
A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the test?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff 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 therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication.
It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.
You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of things in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster 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 guideline. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies from person to. The majority of people are treated using medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce I Am Psychiatry UK is essential to plan long-term funding and commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.