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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 some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need help to improve their life. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment. It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do frequently. A specialist will look at all the evidence prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times and having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In recent months there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment? The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For example, “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?” You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is important to complete these 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 so that you can recognize them and discuss how they impact your life in depth. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which could include medication. It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as familiar with adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time. There may be tests taken as part of the assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions. If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You may also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes of your problem for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require. You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with others who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals. Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require from the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and provide health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current situation cannot be sustained and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.