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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for a diagnosis. You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in frequently. A specialist will examine all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the test? The procedure of assessing 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 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?” Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and how they affect your life in detail. The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate 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 treatment options, which may include medications. It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time. There may be tests performed in the course of your examination, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical conditions. You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require. You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. adhd diagnosis uk adults is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason. In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on your local area. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and calm. It can also be helpful to share your story with other people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? GPs may refer 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 example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from one person to another. The majority of people are treated with medication. It could 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 people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.