ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have a legal right to avail NHS specialist ADHD services. However, this isn't always possible due to inadequate funding of these services as well as regional variations in specialism.
GPs have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD may look like, which makes it difficult to identify. If possible, it is really helpful for patients to bring their information from those who are familiar with their condition.
The Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD the first step is to set an appointment with your GP. They'll need to know the effect it has on your life, and any other issues you are struggling with. Once they have this information, they can decide whether to send you to an assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer and pay for an individual ADHD assessment with a qualified professional.
The process starts with a medical interview when you are referred by your GP to undergo an NHS ADHD evaluation. gp adhd assessment could be in person, via video chat or over the phone. You will have to bring a list of your current problems and a questionnaire with questions about your development as well as your education and mental health past. Interviews typically last for around an hour. It is possible to make notes about your difficulties before the interview so you're able to remember the issues. You can also bring in feedback from people you are familiar with, such as your supervisors or teachers, to gain a better understanding of the challenges you face.
During the appointment, the therapist will evaluate your symptoms in relation to the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also look at any other issues that could be causing them. This is known as differential diagnosis and they will examine other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment usually involves a lengthy examination and a clinical interview. They may also request input from people who know you well, for example friends or family members. They will also ask you about your medication and any other issues you may have to deal with. The specialist will then make use of this information to design an individual treatment plan, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are typically faster than NHS assessments due to the fact that they don't require you to consult your GP. However, this approach can be expensive, and it may not cover all the things your GP has to do.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step is speaking to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and request any evidence that supports your claim like ASRS questionnaires or school reports. Bring these documents along.
Next, you will be referred to a medical professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done through the NHS or the private sector. If you choose to use the NHS the process can be long and there is often an in-patient waiting list. A private ADHD evaluation is typically simpler and less time-consuming experience.
You will meet with a psychiatrist who is a senior consultant who will undertake a comprehensive psychosis assessment. They will review with you your symptoms history and also your medical background, drug history and family history. They will also consider other health issues and decide whether these are present alongside or instead of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis after he has examined your symptoms. It will be based on the information you've provided along with the checklists of symptoms you completed and behaviour rating scales. They may also draw on information from other sources, such as teachers, family members or friends who know you well, your GP and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain their decision in detail once they have made it. They will outline a treatment plan which should include the option for medication. If you've received an official diagnosis and you are taking medication, it is important to ask your GP whether they'll sign the concept of a shared-care agreement. This will allow you to access support services such as therapy and coaching from a specialist to manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, they will refer you to a specialist mental health team for a specialized assessment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires by a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist about your symptoms and past. They will also speak to you about your family and work history. Remember that medical professionals might have preconceived ideas about how people suffering from ADHD behave and it can impact their judgment of you. For example, they might think that you're naughty or reckless if you suffer from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric assessment your doctor will diagnose ADHD. They will assess your symptoms, the amount of time they've been present and how they affect your life. They will also consider any other health issues you suffer from. If you suffer from depression or anxiety this can cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD involves the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. The medications used to treat ADHD increase activity in brain areas that control behaviour and attention. The most common medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of a group of medicines called stimulants. These drugs can be taken orally and are available through the NHS. They can help to improve your concentration, as well as reduce the impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Your specialist will discuss the duration of your medication, and most people are prescribed it for as long as they need it.
Another type of treatment for ADHD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of talk therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes impact your behavior. CBT can also be used to help you deal with anxiety and depression. It's important to locate a therapist who's experienced in treating adults with ADHD.
If you've been diagnosed of ADHD and are diagnosed with ADHD, you could be eligible for financial support 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. If you are self-employed or looking for employment, you may apply for this scheme. On its website you can learn more details about the scheme.
Support
If you are concerned regarding ADHD or you've been told you might have it, you should have an evaluation by an expert doctor. You can then determine if the symptoms are linked to ADHD and, should they be, what treatment options are available.
The assessment process usually involves conversations with a psychiatrist consultant however, it could also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also note 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 contributing to your behaviour.
If a psychiatrist determines that you may have ADHD and they conclude that you may have ADHD, they will make a report to your GP. They might request you to fill out a DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire which will provide them with more details about your problems and how they 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 that grant you the right to seek treatment'. If your GP refuses the referral for an ADHD assessment, you can request a different doctor to make the referral or contact AADD UK for advice.
The NHS will investigate your case in depth once you have been referred. The NHS will look at any evidence you can provide for example, reports from your teachers, GPs or other health professionals. They will also examine other conditions, such as depression and anxiety that could be causing you problems.
The assessment process may be lengthy and frustrating However, it's important to remember that there are typically long waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how to endure the wait for an appointment, you can request your GP for a Shared Care Agreement with a private service. These agreements allow you to access a private assessment and follow up treatment for the cost of a lower rate. You should first check with your GP to see if they are willing to take them into consideration.