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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This may result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of settings, such as at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often. A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times or having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused or keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment process? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, “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?” You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. adhd diagnosis uk adults 's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize them and discuss how they affect your life in depth. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you attend the evaluation. This will help you 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. There may be tests done as part of your assessment for example, the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too. You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? You can be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color, were born female or if they suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your issues, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason. If you've 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 may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods. Participating in a support group, either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, adhd diagnosis uk adults -drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive. It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.