ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to access specialist ADHD services offered by the NHS. However, this is not always feasible due to under-funding of these services as well as regional differences in the specialization.
Doctors have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD might look like, and this makes it difficult to identify. It can be helpful for patients to get information from someone who understands them well.
The Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They'll be looking to find out how it impacts your life and if there are any other issues. Once they have all the data they require, they will decide if they wish to refer you to an adult ADHD service. Alternatively, you can self-refer and pay for an in-person ADHD assessment with a qualified clinician.
If a GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment the process is usually started with a interview with a clinical psychologist. This can be in person, by video calls or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current challenges, a questionnaire with questions regarding your educational background and mental health history and a list of current issues. The interview will usually last about an hour. It is beneficial to have notes on your difficulties prior to the interview to ensure you are able to recall them. You can also gather feedback from people you are familiar with, such as your teachers or supervisors, to gain a better understanding of the challenges you face.
During the interview, the doctor will examine your symptoms in relation to the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also look at any other issues that may be causing the symptoms. This is known as a differential diagnosis, and they will consider whether other issues like depression or anxiety might be to blame.
A private test will typically consist of a thorough clinical interview, as in addition to examinations by observation. They will also ask for opinions from those who know you well, for example family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication as well as any other issues you might be dealing with. The specialist will use this information to design an individual treatment plan that may include psychotherapy and medication.
Private assessments are typically faster than an NHS assessment since you don't need to consult your GP. However, this process can be expensive, and it may not cover everything that your GP must do.
Diagnosis
The first thing to do if you suspect that you have ADHD is to consult your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask for any supporting evidence such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports. Bring these documents along.
The next step is to be referred for an assessment. This could be via the NHS or private sector. If you decide to go through the NHS the process could be lengthy, and it's not unusual to have an in-demand list. A private ADHD assessment is usually an easier and shorter experience.
You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist who is a senior consultant who will conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment. They will discuss your symptom history and developmental history, as well as medical and drug history and family history with you. 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. It will be based on the information you've provided and the checklists of symptoms you completed as well as the behaviour rating scales. They may also use information from other sources such as teachers, family members or other friends who know you well, your GP and your health records.
how to get a adhd assessment will explain the decision in detail once they have made their decision. They will outline a care plan which includes the option of medication. It is important to determine whether your GP will accept what's called a "shared care agreement", once you've received a private diagnosis and are taking medication. This way, you can avail support services like therapeutic coaching and specialist coaching to manage your condition.
Treatment
If your GP believes that you suffer from ADHD they will refer you to a specialist mental health team for a specialized assessment. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires with a psychologist or psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and the past. They will also speak to you about your family and your work history. Remember that medical professionals might have preconceived ideas about how people with ADHD behave and this could affect their assessment of you. They might think you're naughty or reckless, when you're suffering from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric examination Your doctor will be able to diagnose ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the amount of time you've experienced them, and how they impact your life. They will also consider any other health issues you may have. For example, if you have anxiety or depression, these could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. Treatments for ADHD work by increasing activity in the brain's areas which control attention and behavior. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which belongs to the class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications can be taken orally and are available on the NHS. They can help to improve your concentration, reduce impulse-driven and hyperactive behaviour. Your doctor will advise you on the duration of your medication, and a lot of patients are prescribed it as long as they need it.
Another form of treatment for ADHD is cognitive treatment known as behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you to understand how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes impact your behavior. CBT can be used to treat depression and anxiety. It is essential to locate a therapist who's skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be eligible for financial aid through Access to Work. This is a scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide practical and financial support to assist you in your work. You can apply for this scheme when you are self-employed or searching for work. On its website, you can find out more information about the scheme.
Support
It's important 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 linked to ADHD and, should they be what treatment options are available.
The assessment process typically involves a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist, but it may also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also look over your medical history and lifestyle, as well your social and family background. This will help them comprehend your issues better, and determine if there are other factors that might be driving your behavior.
If a psychiatrist determines that you may have ADHD the doctor will write a report for your GP. They may ask you to complete the DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire which will provide them with more details about your issues and how they may be affecting your life. Your doctor could recommend a mental health clinic for adults or an ADHD clinic.
The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows the NICE guidelines for ADHD, which gives you the right to treatment'. This means that if your GP does not want to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you may ask another GP to refer you or contact AADD-UK for advice.
After you've been referred to after being referred, the NHS will consider your case in depth. They will review the evidence you have provided such as reports from teachers, your GP or other health professionals. They will also look at other conditions like anxiety and depression that might be causing you problems.
The process of assessment can be long and frustrating It's important to remember that the NHS is under strain and there are many waiting lists for appointments. If you are concerned about how you'll be able to cope when waiting for an appointment you can ask your GP to set up an agreement for Shared-Care with a private service. These agreements let you access private assessment and treatment at a reduced price. You should first ask your GP if they will accept them.