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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 clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal duty to stop discrimination and health inequality. Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly controlled, according to anecdotal reports. This can lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get a medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long time. This means they may be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of assistance to improve their lives. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for people seeking an assessment. You can get an assessment through the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have faced in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will examine you in a variety of settings, such as at home, school, or work. They will ask you 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 take part in on a regular basis. A specialist will examine all the evidence before making diagnosis. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having short-term memory issues and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, not finishing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance. In recent months there has been a rise in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is expensive. It is important to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions. What happens during the process of assessment? The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms affect your work?”, and “Do you experience other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?” You may be required to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as you can so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health in general and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the options for treatment, which may include medication. Remember that GPs and nurses are not as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and over time. You might have some tests done in the course of your examination like the blood test to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical problems, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too. You may be self-referring, or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This varies from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What happens if I don't get a diagnosis? There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, such as those who are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. It is also a good idea to find a private psychiatric provider that specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. This can be a very thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might be unable to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even when your GP agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you why. In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases. It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be very helpful and comforting, and it can help to discuss your experiences with people who understand. What can I do to get treatment? Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to treatment, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below). Support groups reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression that are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different between individuals. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults with ADHD have found that changing their diet and establishing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong. It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This issue must be addressed urgently by UK government officials and clinical and regulatory bodies. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To reduce this unmet demand it is essential to plan long-term funding and commission health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.