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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referral assessment, support and referral. It is clear that a number of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, do not follow the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination. Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain private ADHD clinics aren't properly controlled. This could lead to unreliable diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting that can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis? ADHD is an illness of the mind, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often report ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a long period of time. They may feel stuck in their current situation, and are desperate for help. However it is true that the NHS can be a challenge to navigate for those seeking an assessment. You can get an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously and might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available. In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have had in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home to determine your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also inquire about your relationships, social life and any other activities you take part in on a regular basis. A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence before making an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused or keeping up at school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum six years. In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to have their medical examinations at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your health issues. What happens during the process of assessment? Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person who is conducting the test 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 could be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Complete these forms in a timely manner will ensure that you don't have any delays in your appointment. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognize them and discuss their impact on your life. The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication. It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going to the test. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can understand. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed in time. You might have some tests taken in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check whether you have any other medical issues. If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another. What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question? There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. If you're having difficulty getting a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric clinic that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to determine the cause of your issues, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they might struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard). It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll tell you the reason. In the UK, it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have a diagnosis of ADHD. You could also obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, but this will depend on your local area. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they do not always plan for long titration periods. Joining a support group, whether in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely 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 can be referred to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers an all-encompassing ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the insufficient NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost can vary from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that altering their diet and creating an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence for these therapies is less extensive. It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the treatment and care they require through the NHS. This situation must be addressed immediately by UK governments as well as regulators and clinical organizations. People suffering from ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to plan for long-term funding and to provide health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is incredibly damaging. It's time to invest.