When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find a diagnosis.
You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment, but you may need to wait while 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. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often.
A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time or having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.
In recent months there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms.
What happens during the test?
The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "how do you get diagnosed with adhd does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think 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 prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medication.
Remember that GPs and nurses aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how to get adhd diagnosis uk adults your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
You may have tests performed in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical issues.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.
What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You could also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker 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'll also try to determine the cause of your problems including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).
You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
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 might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on your local area. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.
Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
What can I do to get treatment?
Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult add diagnostic criteria adults service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from individual to individual. 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 children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.
It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.
