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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain a medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find a diagnosis. You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in. To determine if you have ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently. A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences 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 families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment? The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience other symptoms 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. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify them and discuss how they affect your life in depth. The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication. how to diagnose adhd ADHD Diagnosis is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time. As part of the examination, you might be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical problems. If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination, you still have to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid 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 guideline. They will also try to rule out other causes of your issues, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll 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 obtain medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always think of long titration cycles. Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience. What can I do to receive treatment? Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). 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 can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety 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, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may 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 people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and the society. It is time to invest in this area.