10 Reasons You'll Need To Know About ADHD Diagnosis

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness, which means it is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they feel trapped in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. However,  I Am Psychiatry  isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.

It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.

In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have had in the past, as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of 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 ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do frequently.

A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning.

In recent months there has been an increase in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your medical conditions.

What happens during the test?

The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify the signs and how they affect your life in detail.

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 are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

As part of the examination, you may have to undergo some tests, such as an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.

You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What happens if I do not get a diagnosis?

There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You can also try to find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.

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

If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods.

Joining a support group whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to share your story with people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence on these isn't as strong.

It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.