CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or teenager is struggling, they could be directed to CAMHS to conduct an ADHD assessment. They will usually be asked to bring with them their parent(s)/guardian(s) and a teacher who knows them well.
In response to COVID-19 parents' and caregivers' responses to the interview pointed out the positives of remote appointments, but also that face-to-face appointments are preferred during assessments.
Symptoms
If you have ADHD, your child or teen might struggle to remain focused or concentrating, snagging things, having difficulty falling asleep, and getting easily distracted by external stimuli. They may also be unable to keep up with their tasks or activities at home or in school and have difficulty understanding information and are unable to follow directions. They could lose their possessions, have difficulty completing homework or assignments and also miss appointments. They may end up hurting themselves or others if not vigilant. They may have difficulty in relationships, and find it difficult to find a job or work and have a difficult time getting along with their family.
A few children and adolescents with ADHD are hyperactive. They might play with their hands, tap their fingers or struggle to wait their turn. They might not be able to listen to other people and be more likely to engage in risky activities such as taking drugs or engaging in sexual activities that are risky. Certain people with ADHD suffer from emotional issues and can easily become irritable or even angry. They might also be excessively sensitive or feel that others are judging them.
The symptoms of ADHD are different from person to person and may change with age. They can affect anyone of any age, gender, or background. ADHD is an illness that can be treated by medication. It is important to realize that medication does not completely eliminate the symptoms of the disorder and may cause adverse effects.
A camhs adhd assessment is the first step in receiving assistance for ADHD. The most commonly used method to get this done is to go to your GP and request an appointment. They may refer you to a mental service for an ADHD specialist assessment.
The ELFT's Quality Improvement team (QI) worked with City and Hackney ADHD teams to improve the speed and accuracy of their assessment process. The average waiting time between assessment and feedback was reduced from 12 weeks to less than 12. This is in line the trust's mission.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition and can be treated through medication, behavioural therapy or education. It can be a challenge for children and parents to comprehend the condition however there is plenty of support available. Speak with your GP when you or your child displays symptoms of ADHD. They will refer you to a specialist CAMHS who will assess and diagnose your child.
If your child is being referred to a CAMHS ADHD assessment service they will usually be seen by a couple of members of the team. They will also solicit the child's parents or caregivers, as well as a teacher who knows them well for feedback. The team will employ standard assessment techniques and detailed histories taking to assess your child's challenges. They will also send Conners questionnaires to the child or the parent(s), or guardian(s), and teachers who know the young person very well.
The CAMHS team could then decide that your child needs more tests and send them to a professional clinical psychologist. The psychologist will conduct various tests to determine how your child handles their emotions and behaves in different situations. They will look at the ways your child behaves in a variety of situations, such as at school, home and other public spaces.
During the examination, the clinician will speak to you and your child about what they have discovered. The clinician will issue an assessment, and then discuss possible treatment options with you. It is common to use medication to aid people suffering from ADHD, but this will not remove all of their symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into different pathways, and the 'ADHD Assessment pathway' falls under the Neurodevelopmental assessment pathway. However, certain children and young people will undergo their ADHD assessment through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS pathway. This is due to their cognitive abilities are greater and their challenges more complex than the other children and teens who use CAMHS. The page 'ID CAMHS' on this website provides more details on this pathway.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialist help for children and adolescents with ADHD through a local service in your area. This could be psychologists, psychiatrists or even a nurse. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also speak to your parents, teachers, or other carers. They may decide to prescribe medication or suggest alternative treatments. The NHS website contains information on treatments and what to expect.
A recent report2 identified the issue of lengthy waiting times for CAMHS services. Waiting times for the assessment of ADHD are particularly long, even with high-quality care. Local plans and guidelines3 as well as national guidelines3 for transformation4 emphasize the importance of early detection and evaluation of adolescents and children with ADHD. However there are no specific guidelines on how long they should wait.
This quality improvement (QI) project was created to speed up the ADHD assessment process. This was achieved using an easy instrument for data collection and integrating it into the clinical system. This has enabled the average number of weeks from the date of referral until the date of the ADHD assessment feedback to be lowered. The QI team would like to thank City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD for their commitment and hard work throughout this project.
If a medication has been prescribed, your doctor will discuss the options available to you and your loved ones. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD however they all have distinct negative effects. It is essential to understand what to expect from any treatment.
There are many non-pharmacological treatments that can help to improve ADHD symptoms. These can include psychotherapies, parenting programmes and behaviour therapy. Group or individual sessions are available. A person who suffers from ADHD might find it beneficial to use organisation and planning apps.
The project involved 12 participants who were recently referred to the CAMHS ADHD pathway in a local Trust. The interviews were semi-structured and they were conducted via telephone. Participants were recruited using a purposeful sample technique. This was chosen because it is thought to be more ethical than a randomised controlled study that is typically used in a research study.
Support
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience for both parents and children since the signs are often misunderstood or viewed as unacceptable behavior. Mental health services as well as charities and organisations can provide assistance. It is important that families understand what to expect from the assessment process. CAMHS has provided adhd assessment psychiatry uk on the subject, which is available by clicking on the below links.
CAMHS also provide a variety of different treatment options for ADHD, including medication and lifestyle changes. But it is crucial to ensure that the appropriate treatment is selected for your child, as different people respond differently to different medications. A CAMHS evaluation may involve discussions with a doctor or nurse and may include a variety of tests, including brain scans and blood tests.
The City and Hackney ADHD team recently completed an improvement project in quality to reduce wait times and improve satisfaction of users. The team met with service users throughout the assessment process and identified the main themes that informed improvements to the process. For instance, some service users were of the opinion that the assessment was too long, and there was not enough support offer postassessment. They also would like to see more targeted support for families and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
In the wake of the QI project, the wait times from initial referral to ADHD assessment have decreased significantly. This is in line the trust-level targets, and reflects an emphasis on enhancing efficiency and capability across the CAMHS System. The team employed the change model and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to effect positive changes in the ADHD process.
A diagnosis of ADHD may also help you get an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP will allow your school to provide additional support for your child, for example training or medication. Our CAMHS ADHD clinic will provide assistance and support for children suffering from ADHD.