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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How can I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find a diagnosis. You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. 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 that you do often. A specialist will consider all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day and having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance. In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people talking 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 times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your medical conditions. What happens during the assessment process? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medications. Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time. You might have some tests performed in the course of your examination for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical issues. If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that, even if you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis? You could be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several factors in your favor. adhd adults diagnosis uk can be harder for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as if you are a person of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like 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. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at 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 reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location you live in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and reassuring. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand. What can I do to receive treatment? Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups informed the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although the diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD differs between individuals. The most common treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, though the evidence is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. People suffering from ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.