Why No One Cares About ADHD Diagnosis

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD Patients often have to deal with a network gatekeepers. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequalities.

Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports that could cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I get a medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a long period of time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking a diagnosis.

You can receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait until the specialist is available.

When evaluating for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.  IamPsychiatry  may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do regularly.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on diagnosis. They will make use of criteria for example, being perpetually restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or school, having trouble staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings, which affects your functioning and if there is a distinct pattern that has been evident for at least six years.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait for healthcare professionals. Many patients and their families opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

The method of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, for example "What issues do you face at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is crucial to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall, and the specific symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which can involve medication.

Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the assessment. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life from work to relationships and how they have changed in time.

As part of the evaluation, you might be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical issues, your therapist might suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

If you are self-referring, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private assessment, you still have to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.

What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?

There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could be more difficult to get diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service who specializes in adult ADHD assessments. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also try to determine the cause of your problems, such as anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues. This can be a very thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. This is because a psychiatrist will only be able to diagnose you if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

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 could be able get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.

Joining a support group either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.

How can I receive 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 example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also assist in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD, and in helping with titration to the final dosage of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis for ADHD will differ from person to person. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment without discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the impact on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.