ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have the legal right to avail NHS special ADHD services. It is not always feasible due to the inadequate funding of these services, and regional variations in specialization.
GPs have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD may look like, which can make it difficult to identify. It is helpful for patients to have information from someone who is familiar with them well.
Assessment
If you believe you might have ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They will need to know the impact that it is having on your life as well as any other issues you are struggling with. Once they have this information, they will be able to decide whether to send you to an assessment with a commissioned 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 to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment. This can be in person, via video call or over the phone. You will have to bring the list of your current issues and a questionnaire that includes questions about your development as well as your education and mental health background. The interview usually lasts approximately one hour. It can be useful to have a list of your challenges ready before the interview to ensure you are able to recall them. You can also gather feedback from people you are familiar with, such as your supervisors or teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties you're facing.
During this interview the doctor will review your symptoms against the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine any other issues which could be the cause of your symptoms. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and they will examine other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment will usually include a detailed clinical interview as in addition to tests that are observational. They will also ask for input from people who know you well, for example friends or family members. They will also inquire about your medications as well as any other issues you might be dealing with. The doctor will use this information to create an individual treatment plan which could include medications and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are usually more efficient than an NHS assessment because you don't need to go through your GP. However, this process can be expensive and might not cover everything your GP has to do.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They will be attentive to your concerns and inquire if you have evidence of support such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports, or work assessments. Bring these documents along.
Next, you will be referred to a medical professional for an evaluation. You can choose to go through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to use the NHS the process could be long and often there is an in-patient waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically a quicker and easier experience.
You will meet with a psychiatrist who is a senior consultant who will conduct a thorough psychosis assessment. They will review with you your symptom history along with your developmental history, medical history, drug history and family history. They will also look at other health conditions to determine if they exist alongside or in lieu of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis after he has examined your symptoms. It will be based on the information you've provided, including the checklists of symptoms you completed as well as the behaviour rating scales. They could also draw information from other sources, such as teachers, family members or other friends who know you well, your GP and your health records.
Once they have reached a decision, the psychiatrist will explain the decision to you in detail. The psychiatrist will outline a plan of treatment that will include medication. It's crucial to determine whether your GP will sign what's known as a "shared care agreement" after you've received a private diagnosis and are taking medication. You'll then be able to avail support services such as therapeutic interventions and expert coaching to help manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP agrees you suffer from ADHD They will refer you to an expert mental health team for a specialized assessment. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires with a psychologist or psychiatrist about your symptoms and past. They will also talk to you about your family and work history. Remember that medical professionals might have preconceived beliefs about how people suffering from ADHD behave and this could affect their judgment of you. For instance, they could consider you to be a naughty person or unreliable if you're suffering from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric assessment Your doctor will be able to diagnose ADHD. They will assess your symptoms as well as how long you've been suffering from them and how they impact your life. They will also consider any other health issues that you may have. For example, if you have anxiety or depression or depression, these can cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD involves a combination of therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD help by increasing the activity in the brain's areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most popular medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medications known as stimulants. These medications are available through the NHS and are taken by mouth. They can improve your concentration and reduce hyperactivity. Your doctor will inform you how long to take your medication. Many patients are prescribed the medication the duration of time that is needed.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a different type of treatment that can be used to treat ADHD. CBT is a therapy that helps you comprehend the impact of your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes on your behaviour. CBT can be used to treat depression and anxiety. It is essential to find a therapist with expertise in treating adults who have 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 program run by the Department for Work and Pensions that can provide practical and financial support to assist you in your work. If adhd assessment psychiatry uk are self-employed or looking for employment, you can apply for this scheme. On its website, you can find out more details about the scheme.
Support
If you're concerned about ADHD or you've been told you might have it, you should have an evaluation 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 process of assessment usually involves a consultation with a consultant psychiatrist, but may also include questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your medical history and lifestyle and your social and family background. This will help them understand your difficulties better, and determine if there are other factors that might be the cause of your behavior.
If the psychiatrist believes that you might have ADHD, they will then prepare a report for your GP. They might require you to complete an DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire, which will give them more details about your issues and how they may be affecting your life. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health clinic for adults or an ADHD clinic.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland adheres to the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a "right to be provided'. If your doctor is unable to provide the request for an ADHD assessment, you can ask a different doctor to make the referral or contact AADD UK for advice.
The NHS will review your case in detail after you've been referred to them. The NHS will look at any evidence you have provided for example, reports from your GPs, teachers or other health professionals. They will also assess whether other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your issues.
The assessment process can be lengthy and stressful However, it's important to remember that the NHS is under pressure and there are often waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how to be able to cope with waiting for an appointment, request your GP for an Shared Care Agreement that includes an individual service. These agreements let you access private assessments and treatments at a reduced price. However, it is important to confirm whether your GP will agree to these agreements prior to beginning the process.