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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and in desperate need of assistance. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment. adult adhd diagnosis uk can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in. To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk 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 describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and other activities you do on a regular basis. A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time or having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or 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, which affects your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years. In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment process? If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your assessment. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in detail. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication. Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the assessment. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time. As part of the assessment you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical conditions. You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors in your favor. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example, if they are of color or were born female or if they have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You could also find a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to rule out other causes of your issues, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they might 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 if your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason. In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. It is beneficial 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 is also helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to. How can I receive treatment? Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 However, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD differs between individuals. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that many adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. adhd diagnosis uk adults -term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current situation can't be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.