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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means they may feel stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available. To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced 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 determine your behavior. You will be asked to describe your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will look at criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times or having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. adult adhd diagnosis uk could be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your medical conditions. What happens during the assessment? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. 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 you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is crucial to fill these out in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time. As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, for instance an allergy test. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to determine if you have other medical problems. If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color or were assigned female at birth or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. You may also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to eliminate other causes of your problems, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP accepts. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you are not meeting the criteria, they will tell you why. 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, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually plan long titration phases. Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and calm. It can also help to share your experience with others who understand. How do I receive treatment? Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often blocked from receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (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 altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these is less extensive. It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.