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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I find out if I have an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for a diagnosis. You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in. To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have faced in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. 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 doctor will take into consideration all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times or having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment process? If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and adhd diagnosing IamPsychiatry Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on where you are going for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth. The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication. Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the examination. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time. As part of the assessment you might be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical issues. If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your issues like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Doctors can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals. Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medications. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.