ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have a legal right to access NHS special ADHD services. This is not always feasible due to the lack of funding of these services, and regional differences in the specialization.
Doctors have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD could appear like, and this makes it difficult to identify. If you can, it's really helpful for patients to bring information from those who are familiar with their condition.
Assessment
To find out if you are suffering from ADHD, you should first consult with a doctor. They will be looking to find out how it affects your life and if you have any other problems. Once they have this information, they will be able to decide whether to recommend you for an assessment at a contracted adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer to a professional and pay for an ADHD assessment.
The process begins with a clinical interview if you are referred by your GP for an NHS ADHD assessment. The interview can be conducted in person, via video call or on the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current problems, a questionnaire containing questions about your education and mental health background and a list of current difficulties. The interview typically lasts about an hour. It is helpful to have a list of your difficulties prior to the interview to ensure that you are able to recall the issues. You could also include feedback from people you are familiar with like your teachers or supervisors, to gain a deeper understanding of the issues you're facing.
During this 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 look at any other issues that may be causing the symptoms. This is known as differential diagnosis and they will look at other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
A private test will typically consist of a thorough clinical interview, as in addition to tests that are observational. They might also ask you to share your thoughts with those who are close to you, like family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medications and any other issues you may be struggling with. The specialist will use this information to design an individual treatment plan that could comprise psychotherapy and medication.
Private assessments are often much more efficient than an NHS assessment due to the fact that you don't need to consult your GP. However, this approach can be costly and might not cover everything your GP needs to do.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD The first step is to talk to your GP. They must consider your concerns seriously and inquire if you have evidence to back it up, such as ASRS questionnaires, school reports or work evaluations. It is recommended to carry these documents with you.
The next step is to refer you for an assessment. You can choose to go through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to use the NHS the process could be lengthy, and it's not unusual to have waiting lists. A private ADHD evaluation is typically a shorter and more straightforward 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 with you your symptom history and also your medical background, drug history and family history. They will also look at other health conditions and consider whether these are present alongside or instead of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will formulate a diagnosis once he's evaluated your symptoms. This will be based on the information you've provided them and the symptom checklists you completed and behaviour rating scales. They may also use other sources, such as information from family members, teachers, or acquaintances with you, your doctor, and your health records.
After they have made a decision the psychiatrist will explain the decision to you in detail. They will outline a treatment plan which will include the option of medication. If you have an official diagnosis and you are taking medication, it's crucial to inquire with your GP if they will accept a'shared-care agreement'. This way, you can access support services such as therapy and coaching from a specialist to help manage your condition.
Treatment
If your doctor believes you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert mental health team for a specialized assessment. This will include a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, who will ask you to fill out questionnaires on your symptoms and past history. They will also talk to you about your family history and your work history. It's important to remember that medical professionals could have preconceived notions about what it is like for people suffering from ADHD and these could affect how they assess your condition. They might consider you to be a naughty person or irresponsible in the event that you suffer from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric assessment your doctor will diagnose ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, how long you have been suffering from them, and how they impact your life. They will also look at any other health issues you may have. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, this could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. The medications for ADHD boost brain activity areas that regulate behaviour and attention. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is part of the group of medicines called stimulants. These medications can be consumed orally and are available through the NHS. They can help improve your concentration, decrease the impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Your doctor will determine how long you should take your medication, and most patients are prescribed it as long as they require it.
Another form of treatment for ADHD is cognitive treatment known as behavioural therapy (CBT) that is a type of talking therapy that helps you comprehend the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your behaviour. CBT can also help you deal with depression and anxiety. how to get adhd assessment to find a therapist with expertise in treating adults suffering from 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 financial and practical assistance to help you achieve success in your job. If you are a self-employed person or are seeking employment, you may apply for this scheme. Find out more about the scheme through its website.
Support
If you're concerned about ADHD or you've been told you might suffer from it, it's important to have an evaluation by a specialist doctor. This will allow you to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition and, if so possible treatment options could be available.
The assessment process is typically carried out by a psychiatrist consultant but can also include questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also look over your medical history and lifestyle and your family and social background. This will help them know your concerns and determine whether other factors are contributing to your behavior.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you may be suffering from ADHD, they will then make a report to 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 challenges you're experiencing and how these difficulties might affect your life. Your doctor may refer you to 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 an 'right to treatment'. This means that if your physician refuses to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can request another doctor to do so or contact AADD-UK for help.
The NHS will review your case in detail after you have been referred to them. The NHS will consider any evidence you can provide for example, reports from your teachers, GPs or other health experts. They will also look into whether other conditions, like depression or anxiety, might be the cause of your issues.
The process of assessing yourself can be frustrating and lengthy However, it's important to remember that there are typically long waiting lists for appointments. If you are worried about how you will manage while waiting for an appointment, ask your GP to set up a Shared-Care Agreement with a private healthcare provider. These agreements allow you to access a private assessment and follow-up treatment at an affordable price. You should first ask your GP whether they will accept these agreements.