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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 referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only by diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for assistance. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may need to wait until the specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD health experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, like at home, school, or work. They will ask you to explain 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 frequently. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day or having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused 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 traits in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at least six years. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the process of assessment? The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like “What issues do you face at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise the signs and how they affect your life in detail. The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that could include medications. It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will help you explain 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 relationships to work and how they've changed over time. As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you have any other medical conditions your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too. You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your problems including anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods. Participating in a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and calm. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who can relate to. How can I get treatment? GPs may refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For diagnosing adhd uk ADHD Diagnosis , the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.