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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequalities. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). iampsychiatry.com suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking the diagnosis. You can get a diagnosis via the NHS by asking 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 however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To determine your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning. In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions. What happens during the assessment? The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go to get your assessment There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify them and discuss how they impact your life in detail. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the examination. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time. As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too. You may 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 a diagnosis? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a variety of things in your favor. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require. You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. 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 tell you why. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies 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 location you live in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience. What can I do to receive treatment? Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Most often, these services 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.