How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special 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 frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking the diagnosis.
It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and may refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining 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 minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail.
The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests performed as part of the assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.
If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?
There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
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 get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.
Joining a support group either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
What can I do to get treatment?
Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in diagnose adhd helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with 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 suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social 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 individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.