This Weeks Top Stories Concerning ADHD Diagnosis

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 clear that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't adhering to the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This may result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an appointment for a diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are desperate for assistance. However the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those who are seeking an assessment.
It is possible to receive a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues that you may have had in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly.
A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will apply criteria, such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks, not finishing things and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is an identifiable pattern that has persisted for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there has been a rise in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to bypass the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is important to choose an healthcare provider you trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the process of assessment?
Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"
You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on where you are going for your examination. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays to your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss how they affect your life in detail.
The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the options for treatment, which may include medication.
Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You will have to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time.
As part of the assessment you could be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions Your therapist may suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.
If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS scheduled appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?
There are a variety of factors that can stop you 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 any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and ask for an appointment. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to provide all the evidence required (for instance, they may 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 cause significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the requirements, they will inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred a specialist 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 time periods of titration.
It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be very helpful and comforting and can be a great way to share your story with other people who can relate to your experience.
How do I get treatment?
Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting times or the rejection of referrals.
Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. why not find out more provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, which 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 an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of people suffering from ADHD are unable to get the treatment and care they require from the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to reduce this unmet need. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It's time to invest.