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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with the network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, do not follow national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled as per reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS. How do I get an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find the diagnosis. You can receive an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait while the specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you've had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis. A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will apply criteria, such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on the pattern of behaviors that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you can trust and to be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment process? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily 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 have to fill out different forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. It is important to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs 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 a healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health in general, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication. Be aware that nurses and GPs are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you attend the assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is easily understood by them. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on all aspects 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. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical issues. You may be self-referring, or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? You may be diagnosed with ADHD when you have a number of factors in your favor. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD assessments. They can offer a faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide if they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP accepts. This is because a psychiatrist will only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on the area you live in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and online. They can be very positive and reassuring, and it can help to share your story with people who understand. How can I receive treatment? how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting periods or rejection of referrals. Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most common 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 suffering from ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as does developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many adults suffering from ADHD are unable to get the care and treatment they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social and judicial services together. The current situation can't be long-term and has a negative effect on families, individuals and society. It is now the time to invest in this area.