ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have the legal right to access NHS special ADHD services. However, this is not always possible due to the lack of funding of these services as well as regional differences in the specialization.
Doctors have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD may look like, and this makes it difficult to diagnose. If it is possible, it can be extremely beneficial for patients to take information with them from people who are familiar with them.
Assessment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP. They'll want to know how it impacts your life and if there are any other issues. Once they have this information, they will be able to decide whether to refer you for an assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. Or, you can self-refer and pay for a private ADHD assessment with a qualified clinician.
If an GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment the process is usually started with an initial clinical interview. This can be in person, by video calls or over the phone. You will have to bring the list of your current challenges and a questionnaire with questions regarding your growth, education and mental health background. The interview will usually last about an hour. It is possible to make some notes on your challenges before the interview so you're able to remember them. he said can also bring along any feedback from people who know you well, like teachers or supervisors - to provide more insight into the challenges you face.
During the appointment, the therapist will assess your symptoms based on the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also consider any other issues that may be causing the symptoms. This is called differential diagnosis. They will look at other conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
A private assessment usually includes a thorough medical interview and observational tests. They will also seek input from people who know you well, like family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication and any other issues that you may be facing. The doctor will use this information to create an individual treatment plan, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are usually quicker than NHS assessments since they don't require you to go through your GP. This method is expensive and may not cover all that your GP should do.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step is speaking to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and inquire if you have supporting evidence like ASRS questionnaires, school reports or work evaluations. Bring these documents along.
The next step is to be referred for an assessment. You can either go through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to go through the NHS the process can be lengthy and often there is an in-patient waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically a quicker and easier experience.
You will be able to meet with an experienced psychiatrist who will carry out an extensive psychiatric assessment. They will discuss with you your symptoms history along with your medical history, developmental history, drug history and family history. They will also review other health issues and decide whether they are present in conjunction with or in addition to ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis once he's assessed your symptoms. This will be based on the information you've provided and the checklist of symptoms you completed and the behaviour rating scales. They could also draw on other sources, like information from family members, teachers or even friends who know you, your GP, and your health records.
When they've reached a decision, the psychiatrist will explain it to you in detail. They will outline a care plan which will include the option of medication. It's crucial to determine whether your GP will agree to what's referred to as"shared care agreements", once you've received a private diagnosis and are taking medication. This will allow you to avail support services like specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP agrees you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert mental health team for an expert assessment. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires by a psychologist or psychiatrist about your symptoms and previous experiences. They will also speak to you about your family and your work history. It's important to be aware that medical professionals may have preconceived ideas regarding what's expected for people with ADHD and these could influence how they judge you. They might think you're naughty, or irresponsible, in the event that you suffer from ADHD.
After undergoing a complete psycho-psychiatric evaluation, your doctor can diagnose you as having ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the length of time you've had them and how they affect your life. They will also take into account any other health issues you have. For example, if you have anxiety or depression they could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medications known as stimulants. These drugs are available through the NHS and can be taken orally. They can improve your concentration and decrease hyperactivity. Your specialist will discuss how long you should take your medication, and a lot of people are prescribed it the duration they require it.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is another kind of treatment that can be used to treat ADHD. CBT is a talking therapy which helps you comprehend the impact of your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes on your behaviour. CBT can also help you deal with depression and anxiety. It is essential to find a therapist with experience treating adults with ADHD.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD You may be eligible for financial aid through Access to Work. It is a program administered by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide practical and financial assistance to help you in your job. You are eligible to apply for the scheme when you are self-employed or searching for employment. Find out more about the scheme on its website.
Support
It's important to consult an expert if you're concerned about ADHD or have been told that you might be suffering from it. This will enable you to find out whether your symptoms are related to this condition and, if they are, what treatment options might be available.
The assessment process is typically performed by a psychiatrist consultant, but can also include questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also keep track of your medical and lifestyle history, as well as your family and social history. This will help them understand your difficulties better, and determine if there are any other factors that might be driving your behavior.
If the psychiatrist determines that you may be suffering from ADHD the doctor will send an assessment for your GP. You might be asked to fill out the DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD) which will provide more information about the challenges you are experiencing and how they could impact your life. The GP will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health services.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD that grant you a "right to be provided'. If your GP refuses the referral for an ADHD assessment, then you can ask a different doctor to make the referral or contact AADD UK to seek advice.
The NHS will investigate your case in depth once you've been referred to them. The NHS will look at any evidence you can provide like reports from your GPs, teachers or other health professionals. They will also assess whether other conditions, like depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your issues.
The process of assessing can be long and frustrating However, it's important to keep in mind that the NHS is under strain and there are many waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how to be able to cope with waiting for an appointment, you could ask your GP for a Shared Care Agreement with private services. adhd assessments let you access private assessment and treatment at a lower cost. You should first ask your GP whether they will take them into consideration.