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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers in NHS CCGs aren't following national guidelines for treating patients or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequality. Private ADHD clinics might not be adequately regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This may result in an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS. How do I get an accurate diagnosis? ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with special expertise. 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 particularly those who have struggled for a long period. This means that they feel trapped in their current situation and need help to improve their life. The NHS can be confusing for those trying to find an answer to a medical condition. You can get an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and should be able to recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait until the specialist is in. When assessing for ADHD health specialists will review your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you've had in the past. To evaluate your behavior, they'll observe you in different settings, such as at school, home, or work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis. A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at an assessment. They will make use of criteria, like being constantly distracted and fidgety, having a short attention span or difficulty focusing at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being extremely active. The diagnosis is based on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance. In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people talking about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a rise in the number of people seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your symptoms. What happens during the assessment? If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is very similar. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like “What problems do you experience at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms you believe might be related to ADHD?” Depending on the location you visit to get your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. It is important to complete these forms as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life. The test will usually involve an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which could include medication. Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that is understandable to them. You will have to give examples on how your symptoms have impacted your life in all aspects from your work to your relationships, and over time. You may have tests done in the course of your examination, such as an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical problems Your therapist may suggest additional tests to test for these, too. If you self-refer, or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that, even if you pay for your private assessment however, you must wait for NHS scheduled appointments – and this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another. What happens if I don't have a diagnosis? There are several things that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups might have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For instance 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 struggling to get a diagnosis, talk to your GP and request a referral. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS. The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They'll also try to rule out other causes of your problems, such as anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a extensive process, and it's not always easy for adults to give all the evidence required (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard). It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP accepts. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they'll tell you why. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to access treatment via the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the area you live in. You may be referred to your doctor to prescribe the medication you prefer. NHS specialists recommend Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods. It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD in person and on the internet. They can be extremely helpful and comforting, and it can help to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience. How can I get treatment? Adults are 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 a nationwide ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment including long waiting times and the rejection of referrals (see below for more details).). Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, like anxiety and depression that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced. The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD varies between individuals. The most common treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions are beneficial, like training and education for parents and the families of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD discover that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these treatments is not as extensive. It is inexcusable that so many people suffering from ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD deserve to have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. diagnosed with adhd as an adult -term planning of financing, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are vital to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.