How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequalities. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I obtain a medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness and can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find a diagnosis. It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available. To assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/ is based on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance. In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment process? The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?" You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your assessment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time. There may be tests taken as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical issues. If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be 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 accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration. Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and comforting. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to. How can I receive treatment? Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It is time to invest in this area.