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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could lead to uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I obtain a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be confusing for those who are trying to find the diagnosis. It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at school, home or at work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly. A specialist will examine all the evidence before making an assessment. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times, having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning. In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the process of assessment? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go for your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete before your appointment. It is important to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify them and discuss how they impact your life in detail. The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the assessment. This will enable you to describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from relationships to work and how they've changed over time. As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical issues. If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What happens if I do not get a diagnosis? There are many factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having a hard time getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your problems, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they need. You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason. If you have 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 obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not always plan for long titration periods. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be a source of support and reassuring. It can also help to share your experience with other people who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long 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 can provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an effective sleep schedule can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, although the evidence is not as extensive. It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and create health, social and judicial services together. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.