10 Wrong Answers For Common ADHD Diagnosis Questions Do You Know The Correct Answers?

How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to stop health inequalities and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could result in inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How can I get an official medical diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only by diagnosed by a healthcare provider with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (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 been struggling for a long time. This means that they feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. However, the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking a diagnosis.

You can get a diagnosis via the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.

To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have had in the past as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various settings, including at the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your social life, relationships and any other activities you engage in regularly.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at a diagnose. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety throughout the day, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, not finishing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.

In recent months, there is a surge in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is crucial to choose a doctor you are comfortable with and answer any questions honestly regarding your medical conditions.

What happens during the test?

If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What problems do you experience at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is essential to complete these forms in the shortest time possible to ensure that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize them and discuss how they affect your life in detail.

The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another 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 then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to identify your symptoms and practice them prior to when you go to the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that is understandable to them. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and then over time.

There may be tests done as part of your assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you suffer from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too.

You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I fail to get a diagnosis?

There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for some categories of people to be diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or a woman at birth, or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request an appointment. You could also find a private doctor who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. This can be a thorough procedure, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence required (for example they might struggle to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even the GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends on where you live. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first and they do not usually plan for long time periods of titration.

It is beneficial to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very positive and reassuring and can be a great way to discuss your experiences with other people who can relate to your experience.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. Typically,  adhd diagnostic  are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams, for example the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to care, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also assist in identifying comorbidities such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is different from one person to another. The majority of people are treated using medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be beneficial, such as education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that many people suffering from ADHD are not receiving the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. The long-term planning of financing, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are vital to address this need that is not being met. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on individuals, their families and society. It is time to invest in this area.