How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequalities. Private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find a diagnosis. You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available. To determine if you have ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will apply criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the test? The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe 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 going to for your examination. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss how they impact your life in detail. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. http://egebergkorsga.jigsy.com/entries/general/Whats-Everyone-Talking-About-How-To-Get-Diagnosed-With-ADHD-In-Adults-Right-Now will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medications. Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time. There may be tests taken as part of your assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine for any medical issues. You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis? There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your problems like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason. 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 by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles. Participating in a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience. What can I do to get treatment? Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.