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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often 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 situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have had in the past as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you engage in regularly. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing or keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at minimum six years. In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is crucial to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues. What happens during the test? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing 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 affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go for your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed in time. As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these, too. If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? diagnosed with adhd as an adult can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several things in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting 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 often provide more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your symptoms including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they require. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you the reason. 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 be able obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive. It is inexcusable that many people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.