(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/i-want-great-care-logo.png)How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.

In order to assess your adhd adult diagnosis healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will make use of criteria like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

The process of assessing 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 affect your life, such as “What issues do you face at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?”

You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication.

It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time.

As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions.

You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.

(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate 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 to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.

How can I receive treatment?

GPs can refer adults to specialists adhd adults diagnosis uk (see this website) services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by uk diagnosis adhd governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.