How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain a medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking the diagnosis. You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you engage in regularly. A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years. In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment process? Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?" Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication. It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time. As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues. You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an appointment? You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of factors in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a very 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 that are in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why. In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.