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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis.
It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available.
When assessing for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do often.
A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.
In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.
What happens during the assessment process?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment 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 may be related to ADHD?"
Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.
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 a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
You may have tests taken as part of the assessment, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical issues.
You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several factors in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, those who are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long titration periods.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also help screen here for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. 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 useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.