ADHD diagnosis in England

[LadyVymes]

I am in Australia and my son is in England. I am starting down the path of adhd diagnosis for myself and am sure my son would have it too. He thinks the symptoms of inattentive type is 100% relevant to his struggles in life.
DS is living with his grandparents and they are paying for a private dyslexia assessment and think adhd will only be paid for by nhs if ds were a criminal .
I am happy to pay for a private test for DS but an nhs one would be better and easier for ongoing management I think.
Ds spoke to his gp who asked exactly what would be gained by having a diagnosis at the grand old age of 22.

Does anyone have any experience or advice that he can use to sway his gp to get a referral to a specialist?

He is based in Devon.

He should try Psychiatry UK, very likely to be paid for by his clinical commissioning group. Mine was, I asked the GP for a referral and was assessed and diagnosed within a couple of weeks.
(Still haven't found medication I can cope with yet but that's another story)

I was able to get a referral because I told my GP that my university needed evidence I was on the waiting list for assessment. My university then paid for me to have a private ed psych assessment.
So if your ds is engaging in education that is one thing that might sway a gp.

Or if he is in work and is looking for a diagnosis for access to work funding which could pay for a PA.

GPs don't seem to give referrals for diagnosis for the sake of knowing more about your identity and how you tick.

The GP should know that some people with ADHD find medication helps them. For that they need a diagnosis (whatever their age).

Thank you everyone. After ds told me about his gp I let him know that medication can help him focus and be able to work towards his goals and also be able to function at his boring job. It’s not about confirming his identity, it would be about being able to manage his symptoms and co morbid conditions effectively and therefore be able to work and study and even hold a conversation.

I wasn't trying to be funny with the identity comment. It annoys me because I think it is an aspect of diagnosis that people find incredibly helpful for their mental wellbeing but GPs don't always see it as important in itself.

Its ok Super, I kinda got what you meant but at 7am I was a grumpy buggar. His GP does seem to think it is only for internet kudos IYSWIM. But, having read how this affects adults I have given him a list of reasons and resources to help him discuss with his GP.

The thing is he is really struggling and I am terrified of what may happen without intervention. I will give my parents the list too and ask him to ask one of them to go to the GP with him to support him.

I know how very difficult life has been for me and to see him on the same path is scary to say the least and his GP having a dismissive attitude in infuriating.

Sorry for hopping onto this thread; I realise you have been talking about adults. My child’s school (child aged 8) has suggested an assessment by an educational psychologist as they suspect possible ADHD. From what little I have read, the educational psychologist does not make a diagnosis but looks at learning styles etc to help guide us and the school, irrespective of a diagnosis (label). Would the assessment indicate a need for formal diagnosis and is it a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist who makes a diagnosis? I’m actually not concerned about a diagnosis but I would like what is best for my child. School is a nice, supportive school. Thanks.

Blahblah, from everything I have read from adults with ADHD, a diagnosis as a child could well have saved them from major difficulties as an adult. From either medication to coping strategies being in place from a younger age, the future could look brighter. Schools and workplace awareness and any modifications would make being an adult easier than without.

Thanks. Sorry it came across as though I didn’t see the importance of the diagnosis. I quite agree that early identification could make life a whole lot better in the long run for the person. What I meant was I got a bit confused about who made the actual diagnosis. I believe the educational psychologist perform assessments but if something comes out from the assessment then it would have to be a paediatrician or psychiatrist who makes a diagnosis of ADHD.

I think it has to be a specialist. I am looking at psychiatry uk for my son but there may be more options for a child.

When my partner asked his GP for a referral for assessment she said yes but it was refused due to funding. She appealed on the grounds that it was causing him depression and it was overturned. The assessment was done by an NHS Psychiatrist locally but then that service was closed down and Psychiatry UK took over the prescribing for his meds.

In England there is take the 'Right To Choose' pathway for ADHD referral with a couple of private providers that already have commissioning contracts with NHS (any location) so don't need to do a funding request with CCG. Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360 have info on their websites about Right To Choose. Possibly Clinical Partners is now option too. If there is a local commissioned ADHD service it's worth trying to find out what the waiting time is as some aren't too long others 2+yrs. adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

If opt to go private bear in mind it's not just the diagnosis assessment cost but if wanting to try medication you'll also have follow up consults, titration costs, private prescriptions & medication costs. I know for some it's about £100 month for medication so definitely try find out what the situation would be to go back under NHS shared care and likely timescale/any potential GP resistance.

Let son know to check out this RTC FB group and can probably find out more on situation with his local CCG/services. Many GPs have no clue about RTC and insist must go local or even too bad we don't have an adult service you'll have to pay privately. Lots of knowledgeable support available if unlucky and have a battle with either with GPs or CCG blocking the referral.
m.facebook.com/groups/righttochoosesupport/?ref=share

As a late diagnosed person I can say it has made a huge difference just knowing there are reasons why some things are a struggle and it's nota bunch of character flaws although it's really hard to undo all the negative self-talk and damage from trying hard and still failing to meet potential in all aspects. Also for double whammy ADHD prone to rejection sensitive dysphoria.

I've not started medication but many say how they now feel like days without are like treading through treacle and wonder how will possibly get through workday if run out of meds. Much is also about learning more ADHD/ND friendly ways to do the things that are challenging and adapting environment where can to suit your needs (Access to work scheme) if not already.

I've also been treated for depression & anxiety for most of adult life and made to feel like a failure for not trying hard enough when it's not helped, one GP did say something like 'well you've tried various therapies, so why aren't you better?'. I see now my anxiety is likely related to sensory issues ( probably also Autistic) so typical CBT of force yourself to stay put & panic will pass, just doesn't work for me.

Thanks for more replies.
DS saw someone for a dyslexia assessment this week and doesn’t have dyslexia but she did think he has signs of ADHD. so that feels positive. He has a letter from her to show GP and I have found an NHS place in Exeter that does adult adhd assessment. I don’t know wait times etc but also have back up of private if needed.
For myself, I have been referred to a service here in Australia but have a 4-6month wait.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as an adult… did the initial stages of referral and thinking that adhd could be the root cause of so much difficulty in life cause you to feel sad or upset at the loss of life you could have had?

Look up Right to Choose. I went through ADHD 360. They give you a letter for your GP who can then refer you to them. I am hoping to have my assessment in January. I started the process in May.