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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only certified 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 circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for an answer to a medical condition. You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask 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 while the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. diagnosing adhd adults will also observe you in various settings, including 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 might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in frequently. A specialist will look at all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the examination. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and over time. There may be tests performed as part of the assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues. If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What happens if I do not get an appointment? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods. It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience. How can I receive treatment? Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.