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The 12 Types Of Twitter ADHD Diagnosis People You Follow On Twitter
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD People often come across the network gatekeepers. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, notably in NHS CCGs, are not following national clinical guidelines and their legal obligation to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some private ADHD clinics aren't adequately monitored. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.


How do I obtain an accurate diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health issue, meaning it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only ones certified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Patients with mental health issues frequently experience symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have struggled for a long time. They may feel trapped in their current circumstances, and desperate for assistance. However getting diagnosed with adhd can be difficult to navigate for those seeking an assessment.

You can receive an assessment through the NHS when you ask your GP to refer you to an expert. Your GP will be attentive to your concerns, and could refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you might have to wait until the specialist is available.

To assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have faced in the past, as well as your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at home and school or work to determine your behavior. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might ask you questions about your social life, your relationships, and other activities that you do often.

A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making a diagnosis. They will use criteria like being unrestful and fidgety at all times and having a short-term memory, having difficulty staying focused and unable to keep up at school or at work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis will be by examining the presence of these traits in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there is a clear pattern that has remained for at least six years.

In recent months there has been a rise in high-profile people sharing their stories of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by undergoing assessments at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is essential to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer questions honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the process of assessment?

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

Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be different forms or questionnaires available for you to fill out prior to your appointment. Complete these forms as quickly as you can will ensure that you don't have any delays to your appointment. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can identify them and discuss how they affect your life in depth.

The assessment will usually include an interview with psychiatrists, specialist nurses or any other qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will assess your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition, or are unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication.

It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as Psychiatrists who specialize in it, so it is important to prepare and practice your symptoms prior to going for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms affect your life in all areas, from your work to your relationships, and over time.

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

If you self-refer, or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is crucial to know that although you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What happens if I don't get a diagnosis?

There are several things that can stop you getting diagnosed with ADHD. It can be more difficult for certain groups of people to be diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or a woman at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're having difficulty getting an assessment, speak to your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD tests. They can provide a more rapid service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they fit the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also rule out other possible reasons for your symptoms for example, depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems. It can be a lengthy procedure and adults might not have all the information they need.

It's also possible that you will not be diagnosed with ADHD, even the GP is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think that you are not meeting the requirements, they will inform you why.

In the UK it is legal in the UK to get treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, but it depends 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. They do not always plan for long intervals of titration.

It is helpful to join an adult support group with ADHD, both in person and on the internet. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring, and it can help to discuss your experiences with others who understand.

How do I receive treatment?

Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services for assessment and medication. They are typically 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers don't accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or the rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the consensus meeting noted that a lot of ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to circumvent the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dose. Prices range from PS500 to 1,200, although the diagnosis and titration are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD can vary from one person to another. The most commonly used treatment is medication, and this may be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as education and training for parents and families of individuals with ADHD. Certain people with ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as well as trying to establish a relaxing sleep routine. Others find that hypnotherapy or psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, although the evidence on these is less extensive.

It is inexcusable that so many adults with ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they require through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding and joined up commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to meet this unmet need. The current situation cannot be long-term and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It's time to invest.

Read More: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/