21/09/2023
Do you think you may have ADHD but are struggling to get a diagnosis?
The diagnostic process for ADHD is so fragmented and really confusing, so I'll go into detail regarding the various diagnostic routes you could go down so you can make an informed decision.
The NHS: The most obvious route people would think of, but easily the worst route to go down. The NHS waiting lists are many years long, and that's even if your GP even recognises ADHD and knows what treatment options are available. I've heard stories of people being told they're just depressed or even lazy as 'ADHD doesn't exist' by their doctor which is just crazy to me.
Right to Choose: Now this is the best route to go down in my opinion, but it isn't widely known by doctors and you may have to fight to be referred this way. Basically, a few private companies have been given contracts by the NHS to provide ADHD diagnostic services. This means that waiting times are vastly reduced (This is the route I went down, it took me 3 months to get diagnosed) and it still remains free to you.
As the name implies, you have the right to choose which provider you engage with, if you think the waiting times with one are too long for example. I was originally referred to a company called Psychiatry UK but because the process wasn't explained to me at all, I ended up sticking with them (which was the right decision in the end). Armed with this knowledge, and provided your GP will actually refer you, you will be able to find the provider that suits you best. More information regarding Right to Choose here https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/
Private: In terms of waiting times, this is by far the best route to go down, but unfortunately this route is very expensive. I've seen prices of 1k and above just for the assessment, and then you have to pay for everything else such as follow up appointments and even the medication. Once you have found the right dose of medication, it is possible to sign something called a shared care agreement with your GP, which means you can get the medication on the NHS instead of having to pay £200 per prescription privately. I've heard that some GP's refuse to sign shared care agreements though, so in that scenario you'd be stuck paying the massive prescription fees because you wouldn't have a choice.
So there we have it. Those are the 3 ways to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. Depending on your doctor you may have to stand your ground and fight for a referral, because ADHD just isn't widely known about. If you've done the online screening tests and you score high, there's a chance you have ADHD. So don't let your doctor put you off.
