ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients are legally entitled to avail NHS specialist ADHD services. However, this is not always possible due to inadequate funding of these services and regional variations in specialism.
The GPs usually have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like and this can impede the process of identifying. If possible, it is extremely beneficial for patients to bring information with them from people who are familiar with them.
Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD The first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They'll be interested in knowing how it affects your life and if you are suffering from any other issues. Once they have this information, they can decide whether to refer you for an assessment with a commissioned adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer to a clinician and pay for an ADHD assessment.
The process starts with a clinical interview in the event that you are recommended by your GP for an NHS ADHD evaluation. It can be conducted in person, by video chat or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of current issues, a questionnaire that includes questions regarding your educational background and mental health history and a list of your current issues. Interviews typically last about an hour. You may want to prepare notes about your issues before the interview so you can remember them. This Webpage could also include feedback from people you trust, such as your teachers or supervisors, to gain more insight into the issues you are facing.
During the appointment, the therapist will evaluate your symptoms in relation to the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also investigate any other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. This is known as differential diagnosis and they will look at other conditions such as depression or anxiety.
A private examination usually involves a detailed examination and a clinical interview. They may also request opinions from those who know you well, such as family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication as well as any other issues you may be facing. The doctor will utilize this information to create an individual treatment plan that could include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are usually quicker than NHS assessments because you don't have to go through your GP. However, this process can be costly, and it may not cover everything that your GP has to do.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD The first step is speaking to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and ask if you have any evidence of support such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports, or work evaluations. It is best to have these documents on hand.
Next, 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 go through the NHS the process can be long and it's not uncommon to have a waiting lists. A private ADHD assessment is usually an easier and quicker process.
You'll be able to meet with a senior psychiatrist who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They will review with you the history of your symptoms and also your medical history, developmental history, drug history and family history. They will also review other health conditions and consider whether they exist alongside or instead of ADHD.
Once the psychiatrist has had the chance to examine your symptoms, they'll then come to a diagnosis. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the evidence you've provided, including the symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They could also draw 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 the decision in detail once they have made it. They will outline a treatment plan, which will include the option of medication. It's important to find out whether your GP will agree to what's referred to as"shared care agreements" when you've been given a private diagnosis and are taking medication. You'll be able to access support services, including therapeutic interventions and expert coaching to help manage your health condition.
Treatment
If your physician confirms that you have ADHD, he or she will refer you to an expert mental health team that will conduct a thorough assessment. This includes psychiatrists or clinical psychologists who will require you to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms and history. You will be asked about your family history as well as work history. It's important to be aware that medical professionals could have preconceived ideas regarding what's expected for people suffering from ADHD, and these can influence how they evaluate you. For instance, they could consider you to be a naughty person or reckless if you suffer from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric examination, your doctor can diagnose ADHD. They will examine your symptoms, how long you have been suffering from them and how they affect your life. They will also take into account any other health problems you have. If you have depression or anxiety it could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. The medications for ADHD enhance brain activity areas that regulate behavior and attention. The most popular medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which belongs to the class of medications known as stimulants. These medications are available on the NHS and can be taken orally. They can help improve your concentration, reduce impulse-driven and hyperactive behaviour. Your doctor will advise you the duration of your medication. Many patients are prescribed the medication as long as necessary.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is another kind of treatment that could be employed to treat ADHD. CBT is a therapy that teaches you to comprehend 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 who have ADHD.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you could 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 help you in your work. You can apply for the scheme for self-employment or if you're looking for employment. On its website you can learn more information about the scheme.
Support
If you're concerned regarding ADHD, or have been told that you may have it, you should get an assessment by a specialist doctor. This will allow you to determine if your symptoms are related to this condition and, if so the case, what treatment options may be available.
The assessment process is typically conducted by a psychiatrist consultant, however, it can also involve questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also note your medical history and lifestyle, as well your family and social background. This will help them understand your difficulties better, and determine if there are other factors that might be contributing to your behaviour.
If the psychiatrist believes that you may have ADHD, they will then write a report for your GP. They may ask you to complete an DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire, which will give them more information about your difficulties and how they may be affecting your daily life. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health clinic for adults or an ADHD clinic.
The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows the NICE guidelines for ADHD, which gives you an 'right to seek treatment'. This means that if your doctor is unable to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may request another GP to refer you or contact AADD-UK for advice.
Once you've been referred after being referred, the NHS will examine your case in detail. They will examine the evidence you have provided such as reports from your teachers or your doctor, as well as other health professionals. They will also look at other conditions such as depression and anxiety that could cause you issues.
The process of assessment can be lengthy and stressful It's important to keep in mind that the NHS is under strain and there are many waiting lists for appointments. If you're concerned about how you'll be able to cope when waiting for an appointment, ask your GP to establish the Shared-Care Agreement with a private healthcare provider. These agreements allow you to access private assessments and treatments at a discounted cost. But, make sure whether your GP will agree to these before you start the process.