Neurodiversity – ADHD

(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

 

Seeking a Diagnosis for ADHD in the UK

The information below is designed to allow you to understand neurodiversity and the processes by which you can approach a formal diagnosis and assessment. 

 Please note that whilst these conditions are relatively common, an assessment is only required if it is significantly impacting on daily life.

 

 

1.      Talk to Your School team to request a referral – if <18 years old

 

 Often referrals from schools or community groups can help provide more supporting information to help with a diagnosis.

Referral forms can be found on CAMHS website - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – CAMHS

 

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2.      NHS Pathway for Diagnosis

 

ADHD: An ADHD diagnosis typically involves a detailed assessment of symptoms, a medical history review, and may include input from people close to you, such as family or teachers. This process is usually managed by a specialist in mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions. The provider in Hampshire is PHL - ADHD Service - PHL Group Ltd

•         Wait Times: NHS assessments can have long waiting times, sometimes up to several months or years. 

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3.       Right to Choose referral 

•  patients have the right to choose a provider that has a contract with an NHS body. An up-to-date list of these is on the ADHD UK website - Right to Choose - ADHD UK.  Please seen further detailed information about this process below.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE PATHWAY. 

 Across England, referrals for ADHD assessments have significantly increased in recent years. Unfortunately, the NHS does not  have enough capacity to meet this demand, without negatively impacting other essential services.  Because of this, there are now caps in place with certain clinics, meaning some patients will not be seen for a new assessment this financial year (1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026).     

There are some things you need to be aware of regarding the Right to Choose (RTC) pathway.

 

You may be seen sooner under the RTC programme, but the provider may not be suitable for a Shared Care agreement with the GP and the GP practice would not be able to issue the medication.

 

Shared care is a contract between the ADHD service and the GP where the GP prescribes the medication, and the specialist provides the monitoring required both for the condition and for the safe prescribing of the medication. 

 

The GP practice will consider Shared Care Prescribing if this in line with our locally agreed guidelines and with a RTC provider (one that has an existing NHS contract).

 

If the RTC provider do not meet these requirements, your prescriptions will not be able to be provided by the GP practice but the specialist is likely to be able to prescribe and monitor this for you so it doesn’t mean that you cannot continue with the assessment. 

 

The requirements of a Shared Care Agreement agreed locally in Hampshire are outlined in the following letter which you can use to approach RTC providers before requesting a referral.

 

One important component of the agreement is that ALL PHYSICAL MONITORING is carried about by the RTC provider and not the GP practice.

 

If you would like a referral, please get in touch with the practice and speak to our referrals team who can send or discuss with you the required paperwork.

 

Below is the letter that we suggest you send to Right to Choose providers to find out whether they meet the criteria for shared care prescribing in our area.

 

Right to Choose Provider – Shared Care Enquiry 

 

Dear [Provider]

 

I am seeking a Right to Choose referral for ADHD assessment. My GP will agree shared care for ADHD medications if the below conditions are met. Please can you confirm that you are able to meet these requirements: 

 

Requirements from Provider (must be met for shared care to be agreed):

Conduct baseline investigations prior to initiation. These are set out in section 8 of the shared care guidelines for the relevant drug: methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, guanfacine. These are also available via https://tinyurl.com/shared-care      Refer directly for further tests or speciality opinions where needed for the initiation or continuation of medication.           Counsel the patient appropriately on the medication to enable informed consent on prescribing.            Ensure the patient knows that failure to attend monitoring or treatment review will result in discontinuation of the drug.            Initiate and titrate medication until the patient has been stabilised for at least 4 weeks. Then complete the shared care documentation and send to the patient’s practice detailing the diagnosis, brand to be prescribed, dosage, relevant test results (for GP information only), when the next monitoring will take place and direct access contact information for GP queries.            Conduct the required monitoring (as described above) and communicate the results to primary care. This monitoring, and other responsibilities, must be carried out by a healthcare professional in secondary care with expertise and training in ADHD.             Resume prescribing where the patient is a woman who is, or wishes to become, pregnant.            Provide advice to primary care when required.             Continue prescribing in the event that the practice withdraws from shared care arrangements.

 

Once you have confirmed that these requirements can be met for shared care, I will request referral to your service. Please note, GPs are not obliged to accept shared care and may serve notice at any time following acceptance of a shared care agreement. 

 

Yours sincerely 

[Name]

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4.      Private Diagnosis 

 

• You may consider a private diagnosis. Private assessments can be more costly, but they may offer faster access to support. Private healthcare providers and clinics in the UK often offer ADHD assessments, but it’s essential to choose a reputable provider with experience in diagnosing these conditions.
• Here is some more information about a private diagnosis. 

 Private Diagnosis - For Adult ADHD | ADHD UK

After Diagnosis: Available Treatments and Support

Once diagnosed, several options can help manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life.

 

ADHD Treatment and Support

 

• • Medication: Stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate) and non-stimulant medications (e.g., atomoxetine) can be prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms. These medications must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist.
    
    Please note that if is medication is started by a private clinic, this will not be prescribed by the NHS.  This will be prescribed and monitored privately through the assessing clinic on an ongoing basis and the practice will not provide shared care prescribing.
  •   Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other behavioural therapies can help with organisational skills, impulse control, and social challenges.
  • Lifestyle and Support: Regular exercise, a structured routine, and support with organisational skills can make a significant difference. Support groups like ADHD UK and ADDISS provide resources and community connections.

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