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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current situation and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available. To determine if you have ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have faced in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain 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 deciding on diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing and unable to keep up with school or work, not finishing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In recent months, there is a surge in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be costly. It is essential to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?” You may need to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health overall and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medications. It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time. As part of the examination, you may have to undergo some tests, such as a test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too. If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you are having difficulty getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your issues including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. In the UK it is legal to access 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 depends on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long intervals of titration. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your story with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable 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. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and provide health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.