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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking referral, assessment or support for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal duty to stop health inequalities and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This may result in uncoordinated thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I find out if I have a diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for a diagnosis. You can get an appointment with the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously, and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available. When evaluating for ADHD health professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, like at school, home or at work. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in regularly. A specialist will review all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly restless and fidgety, having a short attention span, difficulty keeping up at school or work, having trouble staying focused on tasks that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences with being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer honestly about your health issues. What happens during the assessment process? The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who is conducting 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 impact your work?” “Do you have other symptoms you think may be related to ADHD?” Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays during your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and how they impact your life in depth. The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then go over treatment options with you, which may involve medication. It is important to keep in mind that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will help you describe your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time. You may have tests taken in the course of your examination, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. Your therapist may suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues. If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private examination but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments – and this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I do not get a diagnosis? There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some groups of people to get diagnosed, such as when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. If you're having a hard time getting an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. You may also find a private doctor who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also rule out other possible causes for your issue like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for example they might have trouble finding 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 are not meeting the requirements, they will inform 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 might also be able to get medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the area you live in. You may be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medicine you prefer. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration. Joining a support group whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand. How can I receive treatment? Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration is priced separately. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The most popular treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Non-drug interventions can be helpful for education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help ease their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive. It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. I Am Psychiatry , clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and society. It's time to invest.