10 Apps That Can Help You Manage Your ADHD Diagnosis
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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals, assessment and support. 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 inequalities.
Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds, and assessment reporting, which can cause problems when trying to transfer to the NHS.
How do I obtain a medical diagnosis?
ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialized expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People suffering from mental illness often report ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have been struggling for a long period of time. They may feel trapped in their current situation and desperate for assistance. The NHS can be confusing for those looking for an answer to a medical condition.
It is possible to obtain an diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for an appointment with an expert. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might need to wait until the specialist is available.
To determine if you have ADHD medical experts will look into any mental health issues 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 and school or work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you take part in on a regular basis.
A specialist will review all the evidence before making a diagnose. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety throughout the day, having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused, having difficulty keeping up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks and being extremely active. The diagnosis will be made by examining the presence of these characteristics in a variety of settings that affect your functioning and if there's an identifiable pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.
In recent months, there is a surge in the number of well-known individuals who have opened up about their experiences of 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 can be expensive. It is crucial to select an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your health issues.
What happens during the assessment process?
The process of the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like "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?"
You may be required to fill out different questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, depending on the location you're going to for your examination. It is important to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.
The evaluation will typically include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they are caused by a different condition or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medications.
It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for an assessment. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples on how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.
As part of the examination, you might be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. If you suffer from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these issues, too.
You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll need to wait to get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.
What happens if I do not receive an appointment?
You may be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several things in your favor. It can be more difficult for more info certain categories of people to be diagnosed, for instance when you are of colour or assigned female at birth, or if you have other mental health diagnoses like depression or bipolar disorder.
If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You could also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They may be able to provide a quicker service than the NHS.
The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they match the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem like depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they require.
It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the requirements, they will inform you why.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, it is legal in the UK to seek treatment through the NHS. This applies to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request but this will depend on the location 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 usually plan long titration phases.
It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD in person and online. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to share your story with others who understand.
How can I receive treatment?
Adults can be referred to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For instance, the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a large number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).
Support groups at the meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a generally clear diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities like depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.
The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. The most popular treatment is medication, and it can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of those with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can help with their symptoms, but the evidence on these is less extensive.
It is unacceptable that a lot of adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to rectify this issue. People with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and consistent with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and a coordinated commissioning of social, health care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current state of affairs is not sustainable and the effect on families, individuals and society is hugely damaging. It's time to invest.