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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately monitored. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I obtain an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment. It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When assessing for how to get diagnosed with adhd uk , healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in frequently. A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will use criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work and having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at least six years. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of prominent individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer honestly about your medical conditions. What happens during the assessment process? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as “What issues do you face at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify the signs and how they impact your life in depth. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that could include medication. It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time. As part of the evaluation, you may have to undergo some tests, such as an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, too. You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several things in your favor. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a 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 will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the area you live in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your story with other people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment including long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance 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 reduce this unmet need. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.