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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and desperate for help. However, the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment. It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available. To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have had in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly. A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having short-term memory issues, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up at school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has persisted for at least six years. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals 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 cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts 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 you think may be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. It is important to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the evaluation. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed over time. As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, like a test for allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical conditions. If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis? There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color or were born female or if they have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. 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 look for other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP agrees to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why. In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. 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 helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be helpful and reassuring. It is also helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to. How can I get treatment? GPs can recommend adults to specialist ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers 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 lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals. Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized 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 dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated using medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD are not able to access the treatment and care they need on the NHS. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social care and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and society. It's time to invest.