ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to seek specialist ADHD services provided by the NHS. This isn't always feasible due to the lack of funding of these services and regional differences in the specialization.
The doctors have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD could look like, which can make it difficult to determine the cause. If you can, it's really helpful for patients to bring their information about their condition from people who are familiar with them.
The Assessment
To determine if you have ADHD, you should first schedule an appointment with a medical professional. They will need to know the impact that it has on your life, and any other issues you're experiencing. Once they have all the data they need, they can decide if they wish to refer you to an adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer to a professional and pay for an ADHD assessment.
The process begins with a clinical interview in the event that you are recommended by your GP for an NHS ADHD evaluation. This can be done in person, by video call or on the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current problems, a questionnaire containing questions about your background in education and mental health and a list of current challenges. The interview usually lasts around an hour. It can be useful to have some notes about your challenges ready before the interview to ensure you can remember the issues. You could also include feedback from people you know well such as your teachers or supervisors, to gain a deeper understanding of the issues you're facing.
During this visit the doctor will review your symptoms against the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine any other issues that may be causing them. This is referred to as a differential diagnosis, and they will determine if other conditions like depression or anxiety might be to blame.
A private examination usually involves a lengthy clinical interview and observational tests. They will also ask for feedback from those who know you well, such as family members or friends. They will also ask about your medications and any other issues you might be dealing with. The specialist will then use this information to create a personalised treatment plan, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are often much quicker than an NHS assessment since you don't have to see your GP. This is costly and may not cover everything the things your GP should do.
Diagnosis
The first thing you should do if you suspect you have ADHD is to consult 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 recommended to carry these documents with you.
Then, you will be directed to a medical professional to conduct an assessment. This could be through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to use the NHS the process could be lengthy and often there is a waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically an easier and quicker process.
You will be able to meet with a psychiatrist who is a senior consultant who will conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment. They will go over your symptom history development history, medical and drug history, and family history with you. They will also look at other health conditions to determine if they are present along with or instead of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will come up with a diagnosis once he's evaluated your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you've given, such as symptoms checklists and 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 doctor and your health records.
Once they have reached an agreement the psychiatrist will explain the decision to you in detail. They will outline a care plan which will include the option of medication. It is important to determine whether your GP will sign what's known as a 'shared care agreement' when you've been given an official diagnosis and are taking medication. This way, you can avail support services like specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP confirms that you have ADHD the doctor will recommend you to an expert mental health team, who will conduct a specialized assessment. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires with a psychiatrist or psychologist about your symptoms and past. You will be asked about your family history as well as your work history. Remember that medical professionals could have preconceived ideas regarding how people with ADHD behave, and this can affect their judgment of you. They might consider you to be a naughty person, or irresponsible, if you have ADHD.
Once you've had a full psychiatric assessment the doctor can diagnose you with ADHD. They will assess your symptoms, how long you have had them and how they impact your life. They will also consider any other health problems you suffer from. For instance, if have anxiety or depression or depression, these can cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
The treatment for ADHD is an amalgamation of medication and therapy. The medications for ADHD enhance brain activity areas that regulate behaviour and attention. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is a member of the class of medications known as stimulants. These drugs are available through the NHS and can be taken orally. They can help improve your concentration and decrease hyperactivity. Your doctor will advise you on how long you should take your medication, and a lot of patients are prescribed it as long as they need it.
Another type of treatment for ADHD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you to understand how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes influence your behavior. CBT can also aid in overcoming anxiety and depression. It's important to choose a therapist that is adept at treating adults with ADHD.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Access to Work. This is a program run by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide practical and financial assistance to help you in your job. If you are self-employed or seeking employment, you may apply for this scheme. On its website you can learn more details about the scheme.
Support
It is essential to consult an expert if you're concerned about ADHD or have been told you may have it. This will help you find out whether your symptoms are linked to this condition, and if they are, what treatment options might be available.
The process of assessment usually involves discussions with a consultant psychiatrist, however, it could also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your lifestyle and medical history, as well as your family and social background. This will allow them to better comprehend your issues and determine if other factors are contributing to your behavior.
If a psychiatrist believes that you may be suffering from ADHD and is able to determine that, he or she will submit an account to your GP. You may be asked to complete a DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD) which will provide more details about the challenges you are experiencing and how these issues could impact your life. Your doctor could recommend a mental health clinic for adults or an ADHD clinic.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland adheres to the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a "right to be provided'. If find out this here is unable to provide the request for an ADHD assessment, you can ask another GP to refer you or contact AADD UK for advice.
The NHS will review your case thoroughly after you've been referred. They will look at any evidence you provide for example, such as reports from your teacher and your GP, or other health professionals. They will also examine other conditions like anxiety and depression that might cause you issues.
The assessment process can be lengthy and stressful However, it's important to keep in mind that the NHS is under strain and there are often waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how you will cope while you wait for an appointment, ask your GP to set up an agreement for Shared-Care with a private healthcare provider. These agreements allow you to access private assessments and treatments at a discounted cost. However, it is important to confirm that your GP will be able to accept these prior to beginning the process.