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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter the network gatekeepers. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to avoid discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get an medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis. It is possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To determine your behavior, they'll examine you in a variety of situations, including at school, home, or work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they impact 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 consider all the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different settings and affect your functioning. In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues. What happens during the process of assessment? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who is 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 impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your evaluation. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize the signs and their effects on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss treatment options with you, which can involve medication. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships and how they have changed in time. You might have some tests taken as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist could suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical conditions. If you are self-referring, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having a hard time getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for an appointment with a psychiatrist. You may also find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer 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'll also try to rule out other causes of your issues including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD, even if your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason. In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods. It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your story with others who can relate to. How do I get treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They can assist in titrating the final dose. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for parents and families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong. how to diagnose adhd is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. Patients with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. The long-term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.