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, as well as regional variations in the level of specialization.
GPs have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD might look like, and this makes it difficult to identify. It can be helpful for patients to receive information from someone who is familiar with their condition well.
The Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP. They'll be looking to find out how it affects your life and whether there are any other issues. Once they have all the details they require, they can decide if they wish to refer you to an adult ADHD service. You can self-refer to a psychologist and pay for an ADHD assessment.
If a GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment, the process typically begins with an initial interview with a clinical psychologist. This can be in person, via video calls or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current challenges, a questionnaire with questions regarding your background in education and mental health and a list of your current issues. Interviews typically last for an hour. It is beneficial to have some notes about your challenges ready before the interview, so that you remember the issues. You can also bring in feedback from people you know well like your supervisors or teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the issues you're facing.
During the interview the doctor will review your symptoms based on the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine any other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. This is known as differential diagnosis. They look at other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment will usually consist of a thorough clinical interview as well as examinations by observation. They might also request that you share your thoughts with those close to you, such as family or friends. They will also inquire about your medications and any other issues that you might be dealing with. The doctor will use the information to develop an individualized treatment plan that could comprise psychotherapy and medication.
Private assessments are usually more efficient than an NHS assessment due to the fact that you don't have to consult your GP. However, this approach could be costly and may not cover all the things your GP has to do.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and inquire if you have evidence to back it up, such as ASRS questionnaires and school reports or work-related assessments. 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 choose to use the NHS the process can be lengthy, and it's not uncommon to have a waiting lists. A private ADHD assessment is typically an easier and shorter experience.
You will have a meeting with a psychiatrist who is a senior consultant who will undertake a comprehensive mental health assessment. They will go over your symptom history development history, medical and drug history and your family history with you. They will also look at other health conditions and determine whether these are present alongside or instead of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will formulate an assessment after having evaluated your symptoms. This will be based upon the information you've provided them along with the checklist of symptoms you completed and the behaviour rating scales. They may also use other sources, like information from teachers, family members or other acquaintances with your GP, you and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain their decision in detail once they have made it. The psychiatrist will outline a plan of care that includes medications. Once you have an individual diagnosis and you are taking medication, it's important to ask your GP whether they'll sign a'shared-care agreement'. You'll be able to access support services like therapeutic interventions and expert coaching to manage your condition.
Treatment
If your GP confirms that you suffer from ADHD the doctor will refer you to a specialist mental health team that will conduct a specialist assessment. This includes psychiatrists or clinical psychologists who will require you to complete questionnaires on your symptoms and past history. You will be asked about your family history and your work history. Remember that medical professionals could have preconceived beliefs regarding how people with ADHD behave and this could affect their judgment of you. They may think you're unruly or irresponsible when you're suffering from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric assessment, your doctor can diagnose ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the length of time you've had them and how they affect your life. They will also look at any other health issues you might have. For example, if you suffer from depression or anxiety or depression, these can make your ADHD symptoms worse.
The treatment for ADHD is a combination of medications and therapy. The medications for ADHD work by increasing activity in the brain's regions that regulate attention and behavior. The most popular medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is a member of the class of medications called stimulants. These medications are available on the NHS and are taken by mouth. They can improve your concentration and decrease hyperactivity. Your doctor will determine 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 employed to treat ADHD. CBT is a therapy that helps you understand the impact of your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes on your behaviour. CBT can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It is crucial to find a therapist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD.
If you've been diagnosed of ADHD You may be eligible for financial assistance through Access to Work. This scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions and offers practical and financial assistance to help you succeed in your job. If you are a self-employed person or are seeking work, you are eligible to apply for this scheme. Find out more about the scheme through its website.
Support
If you have concerns regarding ADHD or you've been told that you may have it, you should have an evaluation by an expert doctor. This will enable you to determine if your symptoms are related to this condition and, if they are, what treatment options might be available.
The assessment process usually involves conversations with a psychiatrist consultant, but it may also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also keep track of your life and medical history and also your family and social background. This will help them understand your difficulties better, and determine if there are any other factors the cause of your behavior.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you may have ADHD, they will then write a report for your GP. You could be asked to fill out a DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD) which will provide more information about the difficulties you are experiencing and how they could affect your life. The GP will then refer you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health services.
The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows the NICE guidelines for ADHD that grant you a 'right to treatment'. This means that if your doctor is unable to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may ask another GP to do so or contact AADD-UK for help.
The NHS will examine your case in depth once you have been referred. They will review any evidence you provide, including reports from your teachers, your GP or other health professionals. They will also look at other conditions such as depression and anxiety that could cause you issues.
The assessment process can be lengthy and frustrating However, it's important to keep in mind that there are typically long waiting lists for appointments. If you are worried about how you'll cope while you wait for an appointment, ask your GP to set up the Shared-Care Agreement with a private service. These agreements let you access private assessment and follow-up treatments at a reduced rate. However, you should check whether your GP will accept these agreements prior to beginning the process.