ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to seek specialist ADHD services provided by the NHS. It is not always possible due to the underfunding of these services, as well as regional differences in the specialization.
GPs often have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD appears like, and this can impede the process of identifying. If possible, it is really helpful for patients to take information about their condition from people who know them well.
The Assessment
If you think that you may have ADHD The first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They will need to know what impact it is having on your life, and any other issues that you are struggling with. Once they have this information, they will be able to decide if they want to send you to an assessment at a contracted adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer to a professional and pay for an ADHD assessment.
The process starts with a clinical interview in the event that you are recommended by your GP to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment. This can be in person, via video call or over the phone. You'll need to bring along a list of your current challenges and a questionnaire with questions about your development as well as your education and mental health history. how to get assessed for adhd uk . It is beneficial to have some notes about your issues prior to the interview to ensure you remember the issues. You could also include feedback from people you are familiar with, such as your supervisors or teachers to gain a better understanding of the issues you are facing.
During the interview, the doctor will assess your symptoms based on the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also look at any other issues that might be causing them. This is referred to as differential diagnosis. They will look at other conditions like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment typically involves a detailed medical interview and observational tests. They will also ask for input from people who know you well, like family members or friends. They will also ask you about your medication and any other issues you might have to deal with. The specialist will then utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan, which could include medications and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are typically faster than NHS assessments since they don't require you to see your GP. However, this process could be costly and 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 should take you concerns seriously and ask for any supporting evidence such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports. It is best to carry these documents with you.
The next step is to refer you for an assessment. You can choose to either use 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 assessment is typically an easier and quicker process.
You'll be able have a meeting with a senior psychiatrist who will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They will review with you your symptom history along with your developmental history, medical history, drug history and family history. They will also examine other health conditions to determine if they are present in conjunction with or in addition to ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis once he's evaluated your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their decision on the data you have given, such as symptoms checklists and the behaviour rating scales. They could also draw on other sources, like information from teachers, family members or even acquaintances with you, your doctor, and your health records.
When they've reached an agreement, the psychiatrist will explain it to you in detail. They will outline a care plan, which should include the option for medication. It is important to determine whether your GP will sign what's known as a 'shared care agreement' after you've received an individual diagnosis and are taking medication. This way, you can access support services such as specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your condition.
Treatment
If your doctor confirms that you have ADHD the doctor will recommend you to an expert mental health team that will conduct a thorough assessment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires by a psychologist or psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and the past. They will also talk to you about your family and work history. Be aware that medical professionals may have preconceived beliefs about how people with ADHD behave and it can impact their perception of you. For example, they might consider you to be a naughty person or irresponsible if you have ADHD.
After a complete psychiatric evaluation, your doctor can diagnose ADHD. They will assess your symptoms, the length of time they've been present and how they affect your life. They will also consider any other health problems you may have. For example, if you have anxiety or depression, these could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
The treatment for ADHD is an amalgamation of medication and therapy. Treatments for ADHD work by increasing activity in the brain's areas which control attention and behavior. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of the group of medicines called stimulants. These medications are available on the NHS and are taken by mouth. They can aid in improving your concentration, decrease impulse-driven and hyperactive behaviour. Your doctor will inform you the duration of your medication. Many people are prescribed the medication as long as necessary.
Another treatment option for ADHD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy that helps you to understand how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your behavior. CBT can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It is important to choose a therapist that is adept at treating adults with ADHD.
If you have a diagnosis of ADHD, you may be eligible for financial support through Access to Work. This scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions and offers practical and financial aid to help you get the most out of your job. You are eligible to apply for the scheme for self-employment or if you're looking for employment. On its website you can learn more details about the scheme.
Support
It is important to speak with an expert if you're worried about ADHD or have been told that you might be suffering from it. This will help you find out whether your symptoms are linked to this condition and, if they are, what treatment options might be available.
The assessment process is typically performed by a psychiatrist consultant, however, it can also involve questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also note your medical history and lifestyle and your family and social background. This will help them comprehend your problems better and determine if there are other factors that might be contributing to your behaviour.
If the psychiatrist believes that you might have ADHD, they will then prepare a report for your GP. You could be asked to fill out a DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD) which will provide more information about the issues you're facing and how they could affect your life. The GP will then direct you to an ADHD clinic or an adult mental health services.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a "right to provide'. This means that if your GP refuses to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can ask another GP to refer you, or call AADD-UK for advice.
After you've been referred to, the NHS will review your case in detail. The NHS will look at any evidence you have provided like reports from your GPs, teachers or other health professionals. They will also look into whether other conditions, like anxiety or depression, might be causing your issues.
The process of assessment can be lengthy and exhausting, but it's important to keep in mind that the NHS is under strain and there are many waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about your ability to cope while waiting for an appointment, you can ask your GP for an Shared Care Agreement with a private service. These agreements permit you to access private assessment and treatment at a lower cost. But, make sure whether your GP will agree to these prior to beginning the process.