Why The Biggest "Myths" About ADHD Diagnosis Might Be True

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a lot of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly regulated. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental illness and is only diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means they may feel stuck in their current situation and need help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking an assessment.

You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP should take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.

In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you may have faced in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at school, home 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, social life and any other activities you engage in regularly.

A specialist will consider all the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time or having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up in school or at work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.

In recent months there has been a rise in the number of 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 waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is costly. It is crucial to select the right healthcare provider who you can trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What happens during the assessment?

Whether diagnosing adhd uk -referring or getting referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms impact on work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on the location you visit for your evaluation, there may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognise them and discuss how they impact your life in detail.

The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medication.

It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

You may have tests done as part of your assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.

You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.

What happens if I don't receive a diagnosis?


There are a variety of factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They often provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to rule out other causes of your issues like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. It can be a lengthy process and adults may not have all the information they need.

It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You may also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists are more likely to prescribe Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They don't always plan for lengthy intervals of titration.

Joining a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults are referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much faster and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, although the evidence on these is not as extensive.

It is inexcusable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social care, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.

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Pub: 23 Apr 2024 11:25 UTC
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