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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 a network gatekeepers. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This could result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I find out if I have an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for an answer to a medical condition. You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is in. To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past and your family history. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often. A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria like being constantly restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span or difficulty focusing at school or work or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues. What happens during the test? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. how to get diagnosed with adhd doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, like “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out a variety of forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on where you are going for your evaluation. It is crucial to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about 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 both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which could include medication. It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential 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 easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects of your life from work to relationships and how they've changed in time. As part of the examination, you may have to undergo certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest further tests to check for these, 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 examination however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What is the outcome if I fail to receive a diagnosis? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to determine the cause of your issues, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need. It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even when your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. 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 tell you the reason. 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 also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles. It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It can also be helpful to share your story with others who understand. What can I do to receive treatment? GPs can refer adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are often denied getting care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration to the final dose 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 is different from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medication. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet helps, as well as trying to develop 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 cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services in tandem. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It is time to invest in this area.