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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. emotional regulation is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could result in 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 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 only qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment. You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your home and school or 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 any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance. In recent months, there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms. What happens during the assessment process? The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting 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 you think may be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in detail. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment, which may include medications. It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed in time. As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too. You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem like anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This is a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and 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 you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to get 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 will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be helpful and calm. It can also be helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to. How can I receive treatment? GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to care including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.