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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 referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality. Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause 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 special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment. It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When assessing 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. They will be observing you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. 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 you take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time or having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at least six years. In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms. What happens during the test? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect 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 a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a 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 therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed over time. As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. If you have any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too. You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician. What happens if I do not receive an appointment? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting 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 in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods. Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who understand. What can I do to receive treatment? Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately. adult adhd diagnosis uk and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive. It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.