ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to access specialist ADHD services offered by the NHS. However, this is not always possible due to the lack of funding of these services as well as regional differences in specialisation.
Doctors are often predisposed about what an individual with ADHD looks like and this can hamper the process of getting diagnosed. It can be helpful for patients to have information from someone who knows their condition well.
The Assessment
If you suspect that you may have ADHD The first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They'll want to know how it affects your life and whether you are suffering from any other issues. Once they have the information, they can decide whether to send you to an assessment at a contracted adult ADHD service. Alternatively, you can self-refer and pay for an in-person ADHD assessment with an experienced clinician.
The process begins with a medical interview if you are referred by your GP for an NHS ADHD assessment. The interview can be conducted in person, via video conference or via phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current problems, a questionnaire containing questions about your educational background and mental health history and a list of your current difficulties. Interviews typically last about around an hour. It is helpful to have notes on your difficulties prior to the interview to ensure that you can remember the issues. You can also bring in feedback from people you trust such as your teachers or supervisors, to gain a deeper understanding of the issues you are facing.
During this visit, the specialist will assess 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 could be causing them. This is called a differential diagnosis, and they will determine if other conditions like depression or anxiety might be the cause.
A private test will typically comprise a thorough interview as in addition to observational tests. They may also request that you share your thoughts with those who are close to you, like family or friends. They will also inquire about your medication and any other issues you may have to deal with. The specialist will use the information to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are usually quicker than NHS assessments since you don't have to see your GP. This approach is expensive and might not cover everything that your GP should be doing.
Diagnosis
The first thing to do if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD is to consult your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and request any supporting evidence like ASRS questionnaires or school reports. Bring these documents along.
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 take advantage of the NHS the process can be long and it's not uncommon to have a waiting lists. A private ADHD evaluation is typically an easier and shorter experience.
adhd self assessment test will be able to meet with an experienced psychiatrist who will conduct an exhaustive psychiatric examination. They will go over with you your symptom history and also your developmental history, medical background, drug history and family history. They will also review other health conditions to determine if they are present alongside or in lieu of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis once he's examined your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you've provided, including the checklists of symptoms and the scales for assessing your behavior. They may also draw on information from other sources, such as family members, teachers or other friends who know you well, your GP and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain the decision in detail after they have made their decision. The psychiatrist will outline a plan for care that includes medication. It is important to determine whether your GP will sign what's known as"shared care agreements", once you've received an individual diagnosis and are taking medication. This will allow you to access support services such as specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your condition.
Treatment
If your GP agrees you suffer from ADHD they will refer you to a specialist mental health team for a specialist assessment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist about your symptoms and previous experiences. They will also speak to you about your family history and work history. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals might have preconceived ideas about what is expected for people with ADHD and these could affect how they assess your condition. For instance, they could believe that you're unruly or reckless if you suffer from ADHD.
After undergoing a complete psycho-psychiatric evaluation Your doctor will be able to identify you as having ADHD. They will assess your symptoms, the length of time you've experienced them, and how they impact your life. They will also take into account any other health problems you have. For instance, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, these could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. The medications used to treat ADHD enhance brain activity areas that regulate behaviour and attention. The most common medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of a group of medicines called stimulants. These medications can be taken orally and are available on the NHS. They can help to improve your concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Your specialist will tell you the duration of your medication. Many people are prescribed the medication for as long as necessary.
Another treatment option for ADHD is cognitive treatment known as behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you understand the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your behaviour. CBT can be used to treat depression and anxiety. It is crucial to find a therapist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you have a diagnosis of ADHD and are diagnosed with ADHD, you could be eligible for financial support through Access to Work. This program is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions and will provide you with practical and financial assistance to help you get the most out of your job. You can apply for this scheme when you are self-employed or searching for a job. You can find more details about the scheme on its website.
Support
If you are concerned about ADHD or have been told you might suffer from it, you should get an assessment by an expert doctor. You will then be able to determine if your symptoms are linked to ADHD, and if so, what treatment options are available.
The assessment process typically involves a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist, but may also include questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your medical and lifestyle history, as well your social and family background. This will help them comprehend your issues better, and determine if there are any other factors the cause of your behavior.
If a psychiatrist determines that you might have ADHD and they conclude that you may have ADHD, they will write a report for your GP. You could be asked to complete the DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD), which will provide more information about the difficulties you are experiencing and how these issues could affect your life. The GP will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health services.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD that grant you a 'right to provision'. This means that if your physician refuses to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may request another doctor to refer you or contact AADD-UK for help.
The NHS will examine your case thoroughly after you've been referred. The NHS will look at any evidence you can provide like reports from your teachers, GPs or other health experts. They will also consider whether other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your problems.
The process of assessment can be long and frustrating It's important to remember that the NHS is under pressure and there are many waiting lists for appointments. If you're 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 service. These agreements let you access private assessments and follow-up treatments at an affordable price. However, it is important to confirm whether your GP will agree to these agreements prior to beginning the process.