-
malletease65 zveřejnil aktualizaci před 6 měsíců, 2 týdny
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referral, assessment and support. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs aren’t adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligation to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.
Certain private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting, which can cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I get an official medical diagnosis?
ADHD is a mental health issue that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only ones qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long period. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for help. The NHS can be difficult for those looking for the diagnosis.
You can get a diagnosis via the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and could refer you to specialists for an evaluation. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues that you may have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will be observing you in various situations, such as at home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you participate in regularly.
A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will use criteria, such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or at school or work, having difficulty staying focused on tasks or tasks, not completing them and being overly active. The diagnosis is based on an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.
In the last few months, there has been an increase in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can lead to long wait for healthcare professionals. Patients and their families opt to bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be expensive. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person who is conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your life, such as “What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, “How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and “Do you experience any other symptoms that you think might be related to ADHD?”
Depending on the location you visit for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don’t have any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize 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 other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your mental health in general and the symptoms 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 therapist will then go over the treatment options with you, which may involve medication.
Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. Therefore, it is important to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the examination. This will allow you to explain your symptoms in a way they can comprehend. You will need to give examples of how your symptoms have impacted on every aspect of your life, from work to relationships, and how they have changed over time.
As part of the assessment you might be required to take certain tests, for instance the test for allergies. If you are suffering from any other medical conditions Your therapist may suggest further tests to check for these, too.
If you self-refer or are enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that even though you pay for your private evaluation however, you must wait for NHS funded appointments – and this can vary between NHS trusts and from one clinician to another.
What happens if I don’t receive a diagnosis?
There are many factors that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance if you are a person of color or assigned a female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you’re struggling to get an assessment, speak to your GP and request a referral. It is also a good idea to locate a private psychiatric service that specializes in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to eliminate other causes of your problems like anxiety, depression 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 agrees to refer you to a psychiatrist. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think you don’t meet the criteria, they’ll inform you the reason.
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You may also be able to obtain medication through an Individual Funding Request, however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred to a specialist in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don’t usually think of long titration cycles.
It can be helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be a source of support and comforting. It is also helpful to share your experience with other people who understand.
What can I do to get treatment?
GPs may recommend adults to specialist ADHD services for assessment and treatment. 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, I Am Psychiatry UK of NHS healthcare providers do not recognize these reports as legitimate and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare including long waiting times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to avoid the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics can provide a speedier and more professional and a generally clear diagnosis. They are also helpful in screening for comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that are prevalent in ADHD and can assist with titration until the final dose of the medication. Costs vary from PS500-PS1,200, although sometimes a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most common treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like training and education for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD have found that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However, the evidence for these therapies isn’t as strong.
It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD are not able to access the care and treatment they require from the NHS. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by UK government officials and regulatory and clinical bodies. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan for long-term funding and to commission health, social care and judicial services together. The current situation can’t be sustained and has a negative impact on the families of individuals and society. It’s time to invest.