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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and need help to improve their life. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking diagnosis. It is possible to receive a diagnosis 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 refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have faced in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly. A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety throughout the day and having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. 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 the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions. What happens during the test? If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. 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 other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medication. It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time. There may be tests performed as part of the assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these issues, too. You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several factors that favor you. It can be harder for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. You could also find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your problems like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods. Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can assist to talk through your experience with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? GPs may recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive. diagnosis adhd www.iampsychiatry.uk is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.