ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to access specialist ADHD services offered by the NHS. This is not always feasible due to the lack of funding of these services, as well as regional variations in specialization.
The GPs usually have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like, and this can hinder the process of getting diagnosed. It is beneficial for patients to receive information from someone who knows their condition well.
The Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD, the first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They'll want to know the impact that it has on your life, as well as any other issues you're having difficulty with. Once they have this information, they can decide if they would like to refer you for an assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. Or, you can self-refer and pay for an in-person ADHD assessment with a qualified clinician.
If you or a GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD assessment The process usually begins with a clinical interview. It can be conducted in person, by video calls or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current issues, a questionnaire that includes questions about your educational background and mental health history and a list of current issues. Interviews usually last one hour. You may want to prepare notes about your issues prior to the interview to ensure you're able to remember the issues. It is also possible to bring any feedback from people who know you well - like teachers or supervisors to give you more insight into your difficulties.
During the interview, the specialist will examine your symptoms in relation to the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also investigate any other issues that could be the cause of your symptoms. This is referred to as differential diagnosis. They will look at other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A private assessment will usually comprise a thorough interview as in addition to tests that are observational. They may also request feedback from those who know you well, such as family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication, and any other issues you may be facing. The doctor will use this information to create an individual treatment plan that may include psychotherapy and medication.
Private assessments are typically quicker than an NHS assessment because you don't need to go through your GP. However, this method could be costly and may not cover everything that your GP must do.
Diagnosis
The first thing to do if you suspect you have ADHD is to talk to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and ask for any supporting evidence like ASRS questionnaires or school reports. Bring these documents along.
The next step is to be referred to an assessment. You can choose to go through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to take advantage of the NHS the process can be long and it's not unusual to have a waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically simpler and less time-consuming experience.
You will meet with a senior consultant psychiatrist who will undertake a comprehensive mental health assessment. They will go over your symptom history and developmental history, as well as medical and drug history as well as family history with you. They will also review other health conditions to determine if they exist 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 information you've given them and the symptom checklists you completed and behaviour rating scales. They could also draw information from other sources such as family members, teachers or other friends who know you well, your doctor and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain their decision in detail after they have made their decision. They will provide a care plan that will include the option of medication. It is important to determine whether your GP will accept what's called a 'shared care agreement' when you've been given an individual diagnosis and are taking medication. You can then access support services, like therapeutic interventions and specialist coaching to help manage your condition.
Treatment
If your GP believes that you suffer from ADHD, they will refer you to an expert mental health team for a specialist assessment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires by a psychologist or psychiatrist about your symptoms and the past. They will also speak to you about your family and your work history. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals may have preconceived ideas regarding what's expected for people suffering from ADHD, and these can influence how they evaluate your condition. They may think you're unruly 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 had them and how they affect your life. you can find out more will also take into consideration any other health issues that you may have. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety it could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
The treatment for ADHD is an amalgamation of medication and therapy. The medications for ADHD boost brain activity areas that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of medications known as stimulants. These medications can be consumed orally and are available through the NHS. They can help improve your concentration and reduce hyperactivity. Your specialist will tell you the duration of your medication. Many people are prescribed the medication for as long as necessary.
Another type of treatment for ADHD is cognitive treatment known as behavioural therapy (CBT) that is a type of talk therapy that helps you comprehend the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your behavior. CBT can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It's important to find a therapist who is adept at treating adults with ADHD.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Access to Work. This is a scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide financial and practical support to assist you in your work. If you are a self-employed person or are seeking work, you are eligible to apply for this scheme. On its website you can learn more details about the scheme.
Support
If you're concerned regarding ADHD, or have been told that you may have it, it's crucial to have an evaluation by an expert doctor. This will enable you to find out whether your symptoms are related to this condition, and if they are the case, what treatment options may be available.
The process of assessment usually involves discussions with a psychiatrist consultant, but it may also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also look over your medical and lifestyle history and your social and family background. This will help them better comprehend your issues and determine if any other factors are causing your behavior.
If the psychiatrist determines that you might have ADHD and is able to determine that, he or she will send a report to 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 issues you are experiencing and how these issues could impact your life. The doctor will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health service.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD that grant you a "right to provide'. This means that if your GP is unable to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can request another GP to refer you or contact AADD-UK for assistance.
Once you've been referred by the NHS will consider your case in depth. They will look at any evidence you provide such as reports from your teachers and your GP, or other health experts. They will also assess whether other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, could be causing your issues.
The process of assessing yourself can be lengthy and frustrating, but it is important to remember that there are often long waiting lists for appointments. If you are worried about how you will be able to cope when waiting for an appointment, ask your GP to establish the Shared-Care Agreement with a private provider. These agreements allow you to access private assessment and treatment at a reduced price. But, make sure that your GP will be able to accept these before you start the process.