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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Certain private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be difficult for those seeking a diagnosis. It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at school, home or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact 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 examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will apply criteria for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance. In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your health issues. What happens during the assessment? The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who conducts 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 assessment There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that could include medications. It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as familiar with adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. 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 have changed over time. As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these issues, too. If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that although you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this may differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What happens if I don't receive an appointment? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as those who are of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request a referral to a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they require. You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you why. If you have 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 could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration. Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also help to share your story with others who understand. How can I receive treatment? GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example 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 frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the 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 accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require on the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social care and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.