How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK<br /><br />When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.<br /><br />Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.<br /><br />How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis?<br /><br />ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.<br /><br />It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and be able to send you to a specialist for an examination however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.<br /><br />To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you engage in regularly.<br /><br />A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will apply criteria, for example, being perpetually distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.<br /><br />In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.<br /><br />What happens during the process of assessment?<br /><br />The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"<br /><br />You may be required to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.<br /><br />The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.<br /><br />Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all ways including your work, your relationships, and then over time.<br /><br />As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as a test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check for any medical conditions.<br /><br />If you self-refer, or are enrolled in 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 also from one doctor to another.<br /><br />What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?<br /><br />You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors that favor you. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.<br /><br />If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.<br /><br />The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. <a href="https://writeablog.net/planepowder9/five-private-diagnosis-for-adhd-lessons-from-the-professionals">adhd uk diagnosis</a> 'll also try to determine the cause of your issues including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they require.<br /><br />You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.<br /><br />In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles.<br /><br />It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand.<br /><br />How can I get treatment?<br /><br /><br /><br />Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.<br /><br />Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.<br /><br />The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence is less extensive.<br /><br />It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and the society. It is time to invest in this area.<br /><br />