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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately monitored. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis. It is possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in. When evaluating for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often. A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time or having an insufficient memory for short-term events or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance. In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment process? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as “What issues do you face at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medications. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner 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've changed over time. As part of the assessment you may have to undergo some tests, such as an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, too. If adult diagnosis adhd -refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why. If you have 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 might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan 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 comforting. It can also help to share your experience with others who understand. How can I get treatment? GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies between individuals. The majority of people are treated using medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to plan long-term funding and commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.