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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How can I get an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find the diagnosis.

You can get an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available.

In assessing you for adhd diagnosis adults, healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will make use of criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance.

In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times 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 important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the assessment process?

Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, "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 have to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both 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 the treatment options with you, which could include medication.

It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.

You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment 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 may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors that favor you. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your issues, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need.

It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists recommend 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 very positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand.

What can I do to get treatment?

GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and assessments medication. 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 large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence is less extensive.

It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.