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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking an assessment. It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria, for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at minimum six years. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medication. It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time. There may be tests taken in the course of your examination like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too. diagnosing adhd uk Iam Psychiatry may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an appointment? You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of things in your favor. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This is a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods. Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.