20 Insightful Quotes About ADHD Diagnosis

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality.

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

How do I find out if I have a 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 psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for a diagnosis.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However,  how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult  might be required to wait until a specialist is available.

When assessing for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "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?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is important to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in depth.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.

You may have tests taken in the course of your examination like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis?

There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.

In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.

Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies between individuals. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People 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 vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.