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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality. Some private ADHD clinics might not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This can result in unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current situation, and desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for an answer to a medical condition. It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait while the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD, healthcare experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at home, school, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire 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 prior to making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning. In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could 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 costly. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the process of assessment? The method of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your life, such as “What issues do you face at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience other symptoms that you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where adhd diagnose go to get your assessment, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time. You may have tests performed as part of the assessment like a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical conditions. You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I do not get a diagnosis? There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP agrees to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't 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 be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You could be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases. Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may 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 with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive. It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.