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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 some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find the diagnosis. It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in. To determine if you have ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have experienced in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home and school or work to determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention and having difficulty keeping up with work or school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning. In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of prominent people who have spoken out 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 lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions. What happens during the test? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does adhd diagnosis uk adults affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify the signs and how they affect your life in detail. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors are not 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 examination. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. 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 have changed over time. You might have some tests done as part of the assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to determine for any medical conditions. You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an answer to my question? There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the area you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases. Joining a support group whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and comforting. It can also help to share your experience with others who understand. How can I receive treatment? Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, 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 meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to. The majority of people are treated using medications. These could be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is time to invest in this area.