How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren’t adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren’t adequately monitored. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?

late adhd diagnosis is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they feel trapped in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis.

It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need 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. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.

In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who can diagnose add in adults you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.

What happens during the test?

Whether you’re self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, “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?”

You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you’re going to for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don’t have any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.

The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications.

Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the examination. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they have changed over time.

As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this may 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 if you have a number of factors in your favor. It can be more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as 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 locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it’s not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. 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 don’t meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on your local area. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don’t always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.

It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and calm. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to.

How can I receive treatment?

GPs may refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups 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 provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. Most people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential where to get diagnosed for adhd plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.