How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.
How do I get a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness and can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and desperate for help. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking an assessment.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at school, home or at work. You will be asked 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 engage in regularly.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your health issues.
What happens during I Am Psychiatry ?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"
You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your examination. 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 assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication.
It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.
You might have some tests taken in the course of your examination for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors in your favor. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why.
In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might 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 and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your story with other people who understand.
How do I get treatment?
Adults may be referred 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, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from 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 vital to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.