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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for help. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for people seeking an assessment. You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and be able to refer you for an assessment however, you may have to wait while the specialist is available. In assessing you for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home and school or work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and any other activities that you engage in regularly. A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an appropriate diagnosis. They will make use of criteria such as being persistently active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that are present in multiple settings and affect your functioning. In recent months there has been a rise in celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms. What happens during the process of assessment? Whether you're self-referring or getting referred by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?” You may have to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior to your appointment, based on the location you're going to for your examination. It is essential to complete these in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment won't be delayed. It's also important to become familiar with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you identify the signs and how they impact your life in detail. The assessment will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which can involve medication. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it It is therefore essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way 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. You may have tests taken as part of your assessment like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical conditions your therapist could 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 understand that, even if you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS approved 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 many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for example, if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. I Am Psychiatry is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider who specializes in adult ADHD tests. 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 guideline. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This can be a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for example they might be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). You may not be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you don't meet the criteria, they will tell you why. In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on the location you live in. You may be referred to your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long intervals of titration. It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and calm. It can also help to share your experiences with others who understand. How can I receive treatment? Adults may be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times 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 absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They can also be helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different from person to person. The majority of people are treated with medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive. It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To address this unmet need it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.