The 10 Most Scariest Things About ADHD Diagnosis How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter a network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

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

How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of help. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking an answer to a medical condition.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP should 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 available.

To assess your ADHD, healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past as well as your family history. To assess your behavior, they'll observe you in different situations, including at home, school or at work. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly.

A specialist will consider all of the evidence before making an assessment. They will use criteria like being constantly active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with school or work and having difficulty staying focused on work that are not completed, and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be based on the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your functioning and if there's a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.

In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment. This can result in long waiting for healthcare professionals. Some patients and families choose to bypass the NHS through assessments at private clinics that can be expensive. It is essential to locate a healthcare professional you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the assessment process?

The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same regardless of whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"

You may have to fill out various forms or questionnaires before your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your evaluation. It is essential to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise them and discuss their impact on your life.

The evaluation will typically include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your mental health overall and the specific signs of ADHD to see if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options, which may include medication.

It is important to remember that GPs, nurses and psychologists aren't as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as specialist Psychiatrists, so it is important to practice and prepare your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will help you explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a way that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have impacted your life in all ways, from your work to your relationships, and over time.

As part of the evaluation, you could be required to take some tests, such as an allergy test. If you are suffering from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these issues, too.

If you self-refer or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand 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 from one clinician to another.

What happens if I do not get an appointment?

There are many factors that can prevent you from getting diagnosed with ADHD. Certain groups could have a difficult time getting diagnosed. For example 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 are struggling to get an answer, you can talk to your GP about it and request an appointment with a psychiatrist. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a guideline. They will also look for other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. 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 will agree to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist can only diagnose you if they consider that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.

In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on where you live. You may be referred to your doctor 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.

It is helpful to join a support group for adults with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. Read Even more can be a source of support and comforting. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.

What can I do to receive treatment?


Doctors can refer adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and medication. Typically, these are located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports, and patients are often denied receiving treatment. This is due to long waiting periods or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a more precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness that are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD is different between individuals. The majority of people are treated with medication. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial for education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in diet helps, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.

It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to correct this situation. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is devoid of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and provide health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative effect on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.