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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk I Am Psychiatry UK is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and 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 look at any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often. A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day and having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is crucial to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions. What happens during the test? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in depth. The assessment will usually 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 specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you go to the examination. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and over time. As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these, too. You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors that favor you. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker 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 attempt to rule out other causes of your symptoms like depression, anxiety 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 is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you why. In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to. How can I receive treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from one person to another. The majority of people are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.