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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that is only diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for assistance. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to get a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in. To assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly. A specialist will review all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day and having an insufficient memory for short-term events, having difficulty staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there is a clear pattern that has persisted for at least six years. In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and answer honestly about your symptoms. What happens during the test? Whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your examination. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment that may include medication. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed over time. There may be tests performed as part of the assessment like an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions. 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 examination however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a number of factors that favor you. It can be harder for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If how to get diagnosed with adhd having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods. Participating in a support group, whether in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience. How can I get treatment? GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. 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, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to care including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's inability to invest in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist in titrating the final dosage. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which 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 families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong. It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.