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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 a number of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain an appointment for a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness and can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and in desperate need of help. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking diagnosis. You can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To assess your behavior, they will observe you in different settings, such as at home, school, or work. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will use criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance. In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of prominent individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your medical conditions. What happens during the process of assessment? The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medications. Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the assessment. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give 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. There may be tests done in the course of your examination for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical conditions Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these, too. If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another. What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis? There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color or were born female or if they suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety 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 you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you the reason. In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could also get medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on your local area. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods. Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring and can assist to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience. How can I receive treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Typically, these 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 do not accept these reports and patients are often blocked from accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are beneficial, like education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. adhd diagnosis uk adults find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they need on the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK governments and clinical and regulatory bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. To meet this demand it is crucial to plan for long-term funding and to create health, social, and judicial services together. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.