How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. 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. Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only be 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). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find the diagnosis. It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly. A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will apply criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up 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 by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. https://yamcode.com/10-things-we-love-about-diagnosing-adhd has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the test? Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?" Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify them and discuss how they affect your life in detail. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. https://pappasherring70.livejournal.com/profile will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time. You might have some tests performed as part of your assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too. If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy titration periods. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand. How can I get treatment? GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to 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 absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.