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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they can feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking diagnosis. You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is in. When evaluating for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at school, home or at work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult I Am Psychiatry might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in regularly. A doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. 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 process of assessment? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life. The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and then over time. There may be tests performed in the course of your examination like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too. You could be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They often provide a much faster 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 look for other possible causes of your problem like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding 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 to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration. Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to share your story with people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? GPs can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals. Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive. It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.