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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People suffering from ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequalities.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking the diagnosis.

It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.

In order to assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they’ll examine you in a variety of situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis.

A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with school or work, having trouble staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there’s a clear pattern that has remained for at minimum 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 led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

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 impact your life, such as “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do how to get an adult adhd diagnosis affect your work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?”

You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on where you are going for your assessment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and how they affect your life in detail.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs 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 go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You’ll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed over time.

As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions.

If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.

What is the outcome if I don’t receive a diagnosis?

You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several factors in your favor. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you’re having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. It’s also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They’ll also try to determine the cause of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it’s not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It’s also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will 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 tell you the reason.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don’t always plan long titration phases.

It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can be a great way to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults may be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers 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 the rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence on these isn’t as strong.

It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.