How to Get adhd diagnosis uk adults in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How can I get an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking the diagnosis.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
To assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at school, home or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.
In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment process?
If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may need to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the assessment. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests done in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You could 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 varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?
You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of factors that favor you. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for an appointment. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This is a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP will agree to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles.
It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.