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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. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and in desperate need of assistance. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking an assessment. It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available. To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at school, home, 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 you engage in frequently. A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day, having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up with school or work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years. In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences 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. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms. What happens during the test? The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, “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?” Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays during your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise the signs and the ways they affect your life in detail. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which could include medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in 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 have had an impact on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed in time. There may be tests done as part of the assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues. You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors in your favor. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your problems, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require. getting a adhd diagnosis might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why. In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases. It is beneficial to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.