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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking 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 be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do regularly. A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your health issues. What happens during the process of assessment? The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time. As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical issues. If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from 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. IamPsychiatry may also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they need. You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. 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'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 applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on your local area. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less 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 should have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.