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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality. Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for an answer to a medical condition. It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in. When evaluating for ADHD healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at home, school, or 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 that you do frequently. A specialist will consider all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals 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 lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer honestly about your health issues. What happens during how to get a diagnosis for adhd ? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily 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 be required to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on where you are going for your examination. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth. The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you attend the assessment. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and then over time. You might have some tests performed as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems. You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your problems, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason. In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the location you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experience with other people who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. 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, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from accessing 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 overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.