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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 referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to stop discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for assistance. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis. It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly. adhd uk diagnosis will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will use criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work and having difficulty staying focused on work, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues. What happens during the assessment process? The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect 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?” You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your evaluation. Complete these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that may include medications. It's worth remembering that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and over time. As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you have any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these, too. If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of factors in your favor. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color or were born female or if they have any 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 the referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your problems like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require. It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred to the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can assist to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience. What can I do to get treatment? GPs can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance 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 frequently denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It is time to invest in this area.