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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Some private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and desperate for assistance. However the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking an assessment. It is possible to get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait while the specialist is in. When assessing for ADHD healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in various situations, including at home, school, or work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly. A specialist will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being unrestful and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing or keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that are present in multiple situations and impact your performance. In recent months there has been a rise in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your medical conditions. What happens during the assessment process? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, “What problems do experience at home?” “How does your symptoms affect your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. It is important to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to be able to identify the signs and how they impact your life in depth. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or a 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 therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication. It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms before you go for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is easily understood by them. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time. As part of the assessment you may have to undergo certain tests, like the test for allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check if you have other medical issues. You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? There are several things that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. You could also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist can only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to share your story with others who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dosage of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most popular treatment is medication, which can 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 children with ADHD. adhd adult diagnosis uk I Am Psychiatry suffering from ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive. It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the care and treatment they require on the NHS. This issue must be addressed immediately by UK governments and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in line with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.