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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. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How can I get an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis. You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain 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 specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum six years. In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment process? The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your examination. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). adhd diagnosis in adults uk will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications. It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time. As part of the assessment you may have to undergo some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these issues, too. You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an appointment? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors that favor you. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require. You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration. It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? GPs can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically 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, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration 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 treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different between individuals. 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 education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.