Why You Should Not Think About Improving Your ADHD Diagnosis
Wiki Article
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People suffering from ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is clear that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs are not following the national guidelines for clinical practice or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequality.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This can lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that can create problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health condition, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently report symptoms of ADHD especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means that they feel stuck in their current circumstances and are in desperate need of help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is in.
When assessing for ADHD, healthcare specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have had in the past. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in various settings, such as at home, school or at work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms, and how they affect 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 the evidence before making a diagnosis. They will apply criteria such as being persistently distracted and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention or difficulty focusing at school or work, having trouble staying focused on work, not finishing things and being extremely active. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.
In recent months there has been an increase in high-profile people speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is important to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer honestly about your symptoms.
What happens during the assessment process?
If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect 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 need to fill out a variety of questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on where you are going for your evaluation. It is important to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognize the signs and the ways 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 examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will discuss with you the treatment options, which may include medications.
It is important to keep in mind that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time.
There may be tests performed as part of your assessment, such as the blood test to look for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to determine whether you have any other medical issues.
You could be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.
What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?
You can be diagnosed with ADHD if you have several things in your favor. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance when they are of color, were born female or if they suffer from other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.
If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, consider speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. You could also find a private psychiatrist who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They usually provide an earlier service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also look for other possible causes for your issue like 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's also possible that more info you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP will agree to refer you. This is because a psychiatrist can only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.
In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't make plans for long titration periods.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be supportive and reassuring. It can also help to share your experiences with others who can relate to.
How can I get treatment?
Adults can be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often encounter blockages in their access to healthcare, notably long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a faster and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dosage. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD differs between individuals. The majority of people are treated using medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive.
It is unacceptable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This issue needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are essential to reduce this unmet need. The current situation cannot be endured and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.