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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal duty to avoid discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately regulated. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have been struggling for a long time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for the diagnosis. You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you participate in regularly. A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment? The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?” You may need to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and over time. You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment for example, the blood test to look for any 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 appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis? There are diagnosing adhd of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example, if they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your issues like 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 will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the criteria, they will inform you the reason. In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods. Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It is also helpful to share your story with other people who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different from person to. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This problem must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.