How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). https://writeablog.net/doctorsanta0/why-you-should-concentrate-on-improving-adhd-diagnosis with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times and having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of well-known 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. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions. What happens during the assessment process? Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?" You may need to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your examination. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication. It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time. You might have some tests taken in the course of your examination for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too. If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private evaluation, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? You can be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of factors in your favor. It is more difficult for certain groups 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 diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP will agree to refer you. 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 requirements, they will inform you the reason. If you have 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 also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to discuss your experiences 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, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating 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 for ADHD will differ from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and create health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It is time to invest in this area.