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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition. You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait while the specialist is in. To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. adhd diagnosis uk adults I Am Psychiatry UK will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will apply criteria, such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of 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 being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about your health issues. What happens during the test? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. It is important to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss treatment options with you, which may involve medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed in time. You may have tests taken as part of the assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too. If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What happens if I don't receive an appointment? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to rule out other causes of your issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need. It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not 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 a diagnosis of ADHD. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles. Joining a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are 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 majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different between individuals. Most people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.