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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 referral assessment, support and referral. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get a diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals 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. They may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help. The NHS can be confusing for those who are looking for an answer to a medical condition. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can receive a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD health experts will examine the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. They will be observing you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do often. A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. They will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people seeking an assessment, which could result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This could be costly. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues. What happens during the assessment? The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person who conducts 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 impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on where you are going for your assessment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise the signs and how they impact your life in depth. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the options for treatment that may include medication. It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization It is therefore essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time. As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, for instance a test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too. You may 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 varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't have an answer to my question? There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance, if they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a 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 look for other possible causes of your problem, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even if 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 that 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 applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this depends on your local area. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be helpful and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experience with others who can relate to. How can I get treatment? Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to care, notably long waiting 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 NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug treatments are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they need on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital 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 impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.