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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 referrals or assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can adhd in adults undiagnosed get an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking diagnosis. It is possible to obtain 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 send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, like at school, home, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly. A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be observed in different situations and impact your performance. In recent months there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you are comfortable with and answer questions honestly about your health issues. What happens during the assessment? The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily 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?” Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss how they impact your life in depth. The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medication. It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed in time. As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too. If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? You could be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors in your favor. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your problems like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long procedure and adults might not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration. It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with people who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults may 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 an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, though the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It is time to invest in this area.