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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This may result in inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do adhd uk diagnosis get an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for an answer to a medical condition. You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in. In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home, or work. You will be asked to write about 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 take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In recent months there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the test? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss how they affect your life in depth. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication. Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time. As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical problems. You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also attempt 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 give all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why. In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long titration periods. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your story with others who understand. How do I get treatment? GPs can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.