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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 clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means they may feel stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for the diagnosis. You can get a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in. When assessing for ADHD healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and other activities you engage in regularly. A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will use criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or school and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at least six years. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact 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 prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life. The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medications. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and over time. You may have tests done as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these issues, too. You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough 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 won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason. If you've 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 might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods. Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can assist to share your story with people who understand. How can I get treatment? www.iampsychiatry.uk may refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.