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Why You Should Not Think About Improving Your ADHD Diagnosis
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Patients with ADHD typically have to deal with a number of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that a lot of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for treating patients and their legal obligations to avoid health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently controlled. This could lead to inconsistent diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I get a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and is only diagnosed by a medical professional with specialized knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD, especially those who have struggled for a long time. This means they may feel trapped in their current situation and are desperate for help to improve their life. However it is true that the NHS isn't always easy to navigate for people seeking diagnosis.

It is possible to receive an assessment through the NHS by asking your GP for a referral to see an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns and may refer you to a specialist for an assessment. However, you might be required to wait until a specialist is available.

To assess your ADHD medical professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have experienced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in various environments, such as your home, at school or at work to evaluate your behavior. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in often.

A specialist will examine all the evidence before deciding on a diagnose. They will make use of criteria, for example, being perpetually active and fidgety, possessing a short attention span and having difficulty keeping up with work or school or work, having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis is determined by an array of characteristics that can be seen in a variety of settings and affect your functioning.

In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of celebrities sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase in people seeking a diagnosis. This can result in long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This can be costly. It is crucial to find a healthcare provider you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your health issues.

What happens during the assessment?

If you're self-referring or referred by your GP, the process of assessing for ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the test will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms impact your work?" "Do you have other symptoms you think could be related to ADHD?"

You may need to fill out various questionnaires or forms prior your appointment, based on the location you're taking for your assessment. It is crucial to complete these forms 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 recognize them and discuss their impact on your life.

The evaluation will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess both your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another condition or not (NICE guidelines). The clinician will discuss with you the treatment options that could include medication.

Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore important to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you go to the evaluation. This will enable you to communicate the impact your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time.

You may have tests done as part of the assessment for example, an examination of your blood to look for any allergies. If you have any other medical problems your therapist could suggest additional tests to test for these, too.

You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait until you can get an NHS-funded appointment. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, and from clinician to clinician.

What happens if I don't have a diagnosis?

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

If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about the issue and ask for the referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric clinic who specializes in adult ADHD evaluations. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your symptoms like anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This can be a very extensive process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to give all the evidence needed (for instance, they may have trouble finding old school reports in the back of the cupboard).

It is possible that you are not diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD when they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they think that 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 access treatment via the NHS. This applies 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 area you live in. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists will recommend Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine first and don't plan long titration phases.

Joining a support group either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be supportive and calm. It can also be helpful to share your experiences with other people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Doctors can refer adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. Most often, these services 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports, and patients are frequently denied accessing care. get adhd diagnosis is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting revealed that many ADHD patients seek private assessment and diagnosis to circumvent the absence of NHS investment in this area. Private clinics provide a speedier and more professional, and generally understanding diagnosis. They can also be helpful in the screening of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety which are common in ADHD and also in helping in titrating to the final dosage of the medication. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 However, often a diagnosis and titration are priced separately.


The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial, such as education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD have found that a change in diet can help, as well as trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. To meet this demand, it is vital to plan long-term funding and commission health, social and judicial services together. The current situation can't be endured and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It is now the time to invest in this area.

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