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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities. Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis. You can receive an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly. A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused or keeping up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning. 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 an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the process of assessment? The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who is conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, “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 could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is important to fill these out as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify the signs and how they impact your life in detail. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medications. It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time. As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical problems. You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. adhd uk diagnosis will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a long process, and adults may 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 can only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll 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 are diagnosed with ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You may be referred to your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be helpful and reassuring. It can also help to share your experiences with other people who understand. How can I receive treatment? Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. 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 recognize these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to care such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can 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 parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.