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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to stop discrimination and health inequality. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't adequately controlled. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How can I get an medical diagnosis? ADHD is a mental illness and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long period. This means they may feel trapped in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition. It is possible to obtain 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 to send you to a specialist for an examination, but you may need to wait while the specialist is in. In order to assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past and your family history. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at home, school or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in frequently. A specialist will look at all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at work or at school, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being overly active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your functioning, and if there is a distinct pattern that has remained for at minimum six years. 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 led to a spike in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to choose the right healthcare provider who you can trust and to be honest about the symptoms you are experiencing. What happens during the assessment process? The procedure of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact 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 a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're taking for your examination. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify the signs and how they affect your life in detail. The test will usually involve an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over possible treatment options with you which can involve medication. Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the examination. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time. As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take certain tests, like the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these issues, 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 can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician. What is the outcome if I don't receive a diagnosis? There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Some groups may be more difficult to get diagnosed. For example that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have any other mental health diagnoses such as depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having difficulty getting an answer, consult your GP and ask for a referral. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes of your problem for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require. It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason. In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You could also access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this depends on your local area. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't think of long titration cycles. Joining a support group, whether in person or on the internet for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and calm. It can also help to share your story with others who can relate to. What can I do to get treatment? GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied getting care. undiagnosed adhd in adults is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals. Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a more generalized diagnosis. They are also helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from person to person. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may aid in reducing symptoms. However, the evidence for these treatments is not as extensive. It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot access 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, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It is now the time to invest in this area.