How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK<br /><br />People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination.<br /><br />Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.<br /><br />How do I get an accurate diagnosis?<br /><br />ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/">how to get an adhd diagnosis uk</a> includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking diagnosis.<br /><br />It is possible to obtain an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.<br /><br />To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.<br /><br />A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times or having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing or keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years.<br /><br />In recent months there has been an increase in the number of prominent people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.<br /><br />What happens during the assessment?<br /><br />The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?"<br /><br />You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. It is essential to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.<br /><br />The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which could include medication.<br /><br />It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time.<br /><br />As part of the assessment you may have to undergo some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you have any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too.<br /><br />You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.<br /><br />What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?<br /><br />There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.<br /><br />If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.<br /><br />The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.<br /><br />It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.<br /><br />In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles.<br /><br />It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand.<br /><br />How do I get treatment?<br /><br />GPs may refer adults to specialists 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 a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).<br /><br />Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.<br /><br />The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. Most people are treated with medications. 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 people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive.<br /><br />It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan long-term funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.<br /><br />