ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have a legal right to access NHS specialist ADHD services. This is not always feasible due to the lack of funding of these services and regional variations in the level of specialization.
The GPs usually have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD appears like, and this can impede the process of getting diagnosed. If it is possible, it can be really helpful for patients to bring information from those who are familiar with their condition.
The Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They will want to know how it affects your life and whether you are suffering from any other issues. Once they have all the details they require, they will decide if they wish to refer you to an adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer to a clinician and pay for an ADHD assessment.
The process begins with a clinical interview in the event that you are recommended by your GP to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment. It can be conducted in person, by video conference or via phone. You will be asked to bring a list of current issues, a questionnaire that includes questions about your education and mental health background and a list your current challenges. The interview usually lasts around an hour. You may want to prepare notes about your issues before the interview so you're able to recall the issues. You can also gather feedback from people you know well, such as your supervisors or teachers to gain a better understanding of the difficulties you're facing.
During this interview the doctor will evaluate your symptoms based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also investigate any other issues that could be responsible for the symptoms. This is known as a differential diagnosis. they will consider whether other issues like depression or anxiety might be to blame.
A private assessment can include a detailed clinical interview, as also tests that are observational. They will also seek feedback from those who know you well, for example friends or family members. They will also ask about your medication and any other issues you may be facing. The doctor will use this information to design an individual treatment plan that may include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are typically faster than an NHS assessment due to the fact that you don't have to go through your GP. However, this approach can be costly, and it may not cover everything that your GP must do.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask for any evidence to back it up such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports. It is best to bring these with you.
Then, you will be directed to a medical professional for an evaluation. This could be via the NHS or private sector. If you decide to go through the NHS the process can be lengthy and there is usually an in-patient waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is usually an easier and quicker process.
You'll be able to meet with an experienced psychiatrist who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They will go over with you your symptoms history as well as your medical history, developmental history, drug history, and family history. They will also review other health conditions to determine if they exist in conjunction with or in addition to ADHD.
Once the psychiatrist has had the chance to evaluate your symptoms, they will then come to an assessment. This will be based on the information you've provided and the symptom checklists you completed and the behaviour rating scales. They can also rely on other sources, including information from family members, teachers or even friends who know you, your doctor, and your health records.
When they've reached a decision the psychiatrist will explain the decision to you in detail. The psychiatrist will lay out a plan of treatment that will include medication. It's important to find out whether your GP will accept what's called a 'shared care agreement' after you've received an official diagnosis and are taking medication. This will allow you to avail support services like specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your condition.
Treatment
If your GP agrees you suffer from ADHD, they will refer you to an expert mental health team for a specialized assessment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires by a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist about your symptoms and previous experiences. They will also speak to you about your family and work history. Be aware that medical professionals may have preconceived beliefs about how people with ADHD behave and this could affect their judgment of you. For example, they might consider you to be a naughty person or irresponsible if you have ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric assessment your doctor will diagnose ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the amount of time they've been present, and how they impact your life. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have. For instance, if you have anxiety or depression, these could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
The treatment for ADHD is a combination of medications and therapy. The medications for ADHD are effective by boosting activity in the brain's areas that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants. These drugs are available through the NHS and can be taken by mouth. They can aid in improving your concentration, as well as reduce the impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Your doctor will advise you how long to take your medication. Many people are prescribed the medication as long as necessary.
Highly recommended Internet page of treatment for ADHD is cognitive treatment known as behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your behaviour. CBT can be used to treat depression and anxiety. It's important to locate a therapist who's skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you have a diagnosis of ADHD and are diagnosed with ADHD, you could be eligible for financial help through Access to Work. This is a program run by the Department for Work and Pensions that provides practical and financial assistance to help you succeed in your work. You are eligible to apply for the scheme when you are self-employed or searching for a job. On its website you can learn more details about the scheme.
Support
It is essential to consult a specialist if you are concerned about ADHD or have been told you may have it. You can then determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD and, if so what treatments are available.
The assessment process is typically conducted by a psychiatrist consultant, but it may also include questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your lifestyle and medical history as well as your family and social background. This will help them comprehend your issues better, and determine if there are any other factors driving your behavior.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you might have ADHD and they conclude that you may have ADHD, they will make a report to your GP. They might request you to fill out a DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire which will provide them with more information about your difficulties and how they may be affecting your daily life. The GP will then direct you to an ADHD clinic or an adult mental health services.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a "right to be provided'. This means that if your GP is unable to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can ask another GP to do so or contact AADD-UK for help.
The NHS will review your case thoroughly after you've been referred to them. They will review the evidence you have provided such as reports from teachers and your GP, or other health professionals. They will also assess whether other conditions, like anxiety or depression, might be causing your issues.
The assessment process may be frustrating and lengthy However, it's important to keep in mind that there are often long waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how you'll cope while waiting for an appointment, request your GP for a Shared Care Agreement with a private service. These agreements permit you to access private assessments and treatments at a discounted cost. You should first ask your GP whether they will take them into consideration.