How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis of adhd?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a medical professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation and desperate for assistance. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.

You can receive a diagnosis of adult adhd via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available.

To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to describe 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 regularly.

A specialist will review all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years.

In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your health issues.

What happens during your life from work to relationships and how they've changed in time.

You may have tests done in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine for any medical issues.

If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for the referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long titration periods.

It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also help to share your story with others who understand.

How can I receive treatment?

Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can 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 with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.