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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 referral, assessment and support. diagnosed with adhd as an adult is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in. To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have had in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently. A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will apply criteria, like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning. In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people talking 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. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer questions honestly about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment? If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How 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 could be different forms or questionnaires 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 in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life. The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medication. Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the evaluation. This will help you describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and how they've changed in time. As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too. If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS scheduled appointments – and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color or were born female or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your problems, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not 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). It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason. In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on your local area. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration. It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with people who understand. How can I receive treatment? Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD varies from person to. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This situation must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is time to invest in this area.