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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they can feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at school, home, or work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning. 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 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 their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment process? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your evaluation. It is important to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail. The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medications. Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them before you go to the examination. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time. As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, like an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these issues, too. You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? adhd uk diagnosis could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several factors that favor you. It is more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, those who are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to rule out other causes of your issues including anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why. If you've 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 may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually think of long titration cycles. It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be supportive and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. They are typically 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 accept these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk and treatment for ADHD differs between individuals. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people with 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 treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.