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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 an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do adhd diagnoses obtain a medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking an answer to a medical condition. It is possible to obtain an assessment 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 send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is available. To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different situations, such as at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly. A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning. In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people sharing their stories of 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 families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go for your evaluation, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life. The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options, which may include medication. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time. You might have some tests taken as part of your assessment for example, a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical conditions. You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still need to wait until you can get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get an appointment? You can be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have a variety of factors in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance when you are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression. If you're struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they need. You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. If you've 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 might be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred the right specialist in your area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? GPs can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different between individuals. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.