What's The Job Market For ADHD Diagnosis Professionals? How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK


People suffering from ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral or assessment and support. It is clear that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal duty to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't properly monitored. This could lead to an inconsistency in thresholds for diagnosis and assessment reporting, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (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 struggled for a long time. This means that they can be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those seeking the diagnosis.

It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see an expert. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait while the specialist is in.

In order to assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you may have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at 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 inquire about your social life, your relationships and other activities that you do frequently.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before arriving at diagnosis. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety all the time, having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused or keeping up in school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made upon the presence of these traits in a variety of settings that affect your performance, and if there is an identifiable pattern that has been evident for at minimum 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 wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to be assessed at private clinics. This can be costly. It is essential to find a healthcare provider you can trust and answer any questions honestly regarding your health issues.

What happens during the assessment?

The procedure of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting 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 affect your work?", and "Do you have any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Making sure you complete these forms as quickly as you can will prevent any delays during your appointment. It is also essential to be familiar with the symptoms of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects 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 symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that could include medications.

Remember that GPs and nurses are not as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to identify your symptoms and practice them before you go to the examination. This will help you explain your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects including your work, your relationships, and then over time.

You may have tests performed in the course of your examination, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical issues.

If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to understand that, even if you pay for your private assessment but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for some groups of people to be diagnosed, such as when you are of colour or assigned female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're having trouble getting an answer, consult your GP and request a referral. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD evaluations. They can offer a faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a thorough procedure, 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 is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you the reason.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may be able to obtain medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You may be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists tend to prefer Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy time periods of titration.

Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely positive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Adults are sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are usually found in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to care such as long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups reported at the consensus meeting that many ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnoses to circumvent the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety which are very common in ADHD and can assist in titrating to the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200 however, the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from individual to individual. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult are treated with medications. These could be methylphenidates, such as Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions are useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD discover that a change in diet helps, as well as developing a sleep-friendly routine. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not receiving the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities need to act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD need access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to reduce this unmet need. The current state of affairs cannot be long-term and has a negative effect on the families of individuals and the society. It's time to invest.