ADHD Diagnosis: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequalities.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This could lead to inconsistent thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness and can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find a diagnosis.

It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.

In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have had in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.

A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance, and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.

In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.

It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way 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 over time.

As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical conditions.

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

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were born female or 9326527.xyz (use this link) if they have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit 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 can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.

You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long titration periods.

Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to share your story with people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is not as extensive.

It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.