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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to prevent health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind 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 in the UK). People suffering from mental illness frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for a diagnosis. You can get an appointment with the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have faced in the past and your family history. To assess www.iampsychiatry.uk , they will examine you in a variety of situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you do on a regular basis. A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day or having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment? The process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your life. For example, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go for your evaluation There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is important to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify the signs and how they affect your life in depth. The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options, which may include medications. Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the evaluation. This will help you explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. 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 have changed over time. As part of the assessment you may have to undergo certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check for any 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 appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors that favor you. It is more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for the 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 more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They'll also try to eliminate other causes of your issues, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and 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 think 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 may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred by your local specialist to 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 time periods of titration. Participating in a support group, whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to. How can I get treatment? Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that changing their diet and establishing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require from the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.