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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities. Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they can feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment. It is possible to receive an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is in. When evaluating for ADHD healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often. A specialist will review all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will use criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being overly active. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment? The procedure of conducting an assessment of 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 how your symptoms impact your life, such as “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which can involve medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time. You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical issues. If you self-refer 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 funded appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I do not get a diagnosis? You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of factors in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide 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 reference. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This is a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP is willing 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 believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason. In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. diagnosis of adhd could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases. Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to. How can I receive treatment? GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It's time to invest.