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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UKWhen seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD People often come across an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, particularly in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.Private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.How can I get an official medical diagnosis?ADHD is an illness of the mind that can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who has specialist expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. This means that they can feel trapped in their current situation and need assistance to improve their lives. However the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those seeking diagnosis.It is possible to get an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able recommend you to an assessment but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.When evaluating for ADHD health specialists will review the family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues that you have experienced in the past. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your the workplace, school or at home, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships and other activities you engage in often.A doctor will take into consideration all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having an insufficient memory for short-term events and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up at school or at work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by the pattern of behaviors that can be seen in a variety of environments and affect your performance.In recent months, there has been a rise in celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is expensive. It is essential to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your symptoms.What happens during the assessment process?Whether you're self-referring or getting recommended by your GP the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is similar. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact 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?"Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will help to avoid any delays in your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and talk about their impact on your life.The assessment will typically include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff, or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or are not related to any other medical condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.It's worth remembering that GPs, nurses and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go to the test. This will help you explain the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all areas including your work, your relationships, and then over time.You may have tests done as part of your assessment like the blood test 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 going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private examination however, you must wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.What happens if I don't have an answer to my question?There are a variety of factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were born female or if they have any other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes for your issue for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid problems. It's a long process and adults may not have all the information they need.It's also possible that you won't be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you don't 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 have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it depends on the location you reside in. You could be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medicine of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration.It can be helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and online. They can be very supportive and reassuring, 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 directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. Most often, these services 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 large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients frequently face obstacles in their access to treatment such as long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).Support groups have reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a quicker and more efficient, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They can assist with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD differs from person to person. Most people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet can help, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. This problem must be addressed urgently by UK governments as well as regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. Long-term planning of funding, and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are essential to address this need that is not being met. The current situation isn't sustainable and the impact on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is time to invest in this area.