How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.
Some private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How can I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition.
You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, www.iampsychiatry.uk may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities you do on a regular basis.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time, having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment?
The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are 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, which may include medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the examination, you could be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.
If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.
What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?
There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when 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 cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.
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 may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.
Joining a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also help to share your story with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.
It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan long-term funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.