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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national guidelines for treating patients or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently regulated. This may result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses frequently report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. how is adult adhd diagnosed ADHD Diagnosis may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find a diagnosis. You can get an assessment through the NHS if 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 might need to wait until the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will be observing you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities you do on a regular basis. A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance. In the last few months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you trust and be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment? If you're self-referring or referred by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting 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 experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment There may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays during your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life. The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse 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 unrelated 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 aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. 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. As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues. If you are self-referring, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to 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 don't receive an answer to my question? You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a variety of factors in your favor. It can be 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 difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about it and asking for an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always plan long titration phases. Joining a support group whether in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and calm. It can also help to share your story with other people who understand. How do I get treatment? Adults are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD varies between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can 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. Certain people with ADHD discover that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD cannot get the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.