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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK People with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Certain private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can feel stuck in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. However getting a adhd diagnosis can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking an assessment. You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and might refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may be required to wait until a specialist is available. To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home and school or work, to assess your behaviour. 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 engage in regularly. A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an assessment. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning, and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at least six years. In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your symptoms. What happens during the process of assessment? Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your evaluation. It is essential to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in detail. The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications. Be aware that nurses and GPs aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the evaluation. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas from your work to your relationships, and then over time. You may have tests done in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to test for these, too. You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, but you will still have to wait for an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance those who 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 are struggling to get a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid 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 rule out other possible causes for your issue, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles. Participating in a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also help to share your story with others who understand. How can I get treatment? Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often denied accessing care. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also be helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating an effective sleep schedule can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is essential to plan long-term funding and commission health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.