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 isn't always possible due to the lack of funding of these services and regional variations in specialism.
The GPs usually have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like, and this can hinder the process of identifying. If possible, it is very beneficial for patients to bring information with them from people who know them well.
Assessment
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to schedule an appointment with your GP. They'll be looking to find out how it affects your life and if you have any other problems. Once they have all the data they require, they will decide if they would like to refer you to an adult ADHD service. Or, you can self-refer and pay for an in-person ADHD assessment with an experienced psychologist.
If a GP recommends you for an NHS ADHD assessment, the process typically begins with a clinical interview. It can be conducted in person, via video chat or over the phone. You'll have to bring a list of your current problems and a questionnaire pack with questions about your growth, education and mental health past. The interview typically lasts approximately one hour. You might want to write notes about your issues prior to the interview to ensure you're able to recall them. You can also bring along any feedback from people who know you well, such as supervisors or teachers to gain a better understanding into your difficulties.
During the interview, the specialist will assess your symptoms in relation to the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine any other issues which could be causing the symptoms. This is referred to as differential diagnosis. They look at other conditions like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment typically involves a detailed clinical interview and observational tests. They will also ask for input from people who know you well, like friends or family members. They will also inquire about your medication, and any other issues that you may be dealing with. The specialist will then make use of this information to design an individual treatment plan, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are generally faster than NHS assessments because you don't have to go through your GP. However, this approach could be costly and may not cover everything that your GP has to do.
Diagnosis
The first thing you should do if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD is to consult your GP. They must consider your concerns seriously and ask if you have any supporting evidence like ASRS questionnaires or school reports, or work assessments. Bring these documents along.
The next step is to be referred for an assessment. You can choose to go through the NHS or the private sector. If you choose to use the NHS the process could be lengthy and often there is a waiting list. adhd assessment glasgow is usually an easier and shorter experience.
You will be able to have a meeting with a senior psychiatrist who will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They will review with you your symptoms history along with your developmental history, medical background, drug history and family history. They will also review other health conditions and determine whether they exist alongside or in addition to ADHD.
The psychiatrist will formulate a diagnosis after he has evaluated your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you've given, such as checklists of symptoms and the scales for assessing your behavior. They may also use information from other sources such as family members, teachers or friends who know you well, your GP and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain their decision in detail after they have made it. They will outline a treatment plan which will include the option of medication. If you've received a private diagnosis, and are taking medication, it's crucial to inquire with your GP whether they'll sign the concept of a shared-care agreement. This way, you can avail support services like specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert mental health team for a specialist assessment. This could include a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, who will require you to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms and past history. They will also ask you about your family and your work history. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals could have preconceived ideas about what it is like for people suffering from ADHD, and these can affect how they assess you. For instance, they could think that you're naughty or unreliable if you're suffering from ADHD.
Once you've had a full psycho-psychiatric evaluation, your doctor will be able to diagnose you as having ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the amount of time you've had them, and how they impact your life. They will also take into account any other health problems you suffer from. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety it could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD involves a combination of therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. The most frequently used treatment for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications can be taken orally and are available on the NHS. They can aid in improving your concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Your specialist will discuss the duration of your medication, and a lot of people are prescribed it the duration they require it.
Another type of treatment for ADHD is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a type of talking therapy that helps you to understand how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes affect your behaviour. CBT can be used to treat depression and anxiety. It is essential to choose a therapist that is adept at treating adults with ADHD.
If you've been diagnosed of ADHD, you may be eligible for financial help through Access to Work. This is a scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions that can provide financial and practical support to help you in your job. If you are self-employed or looking for employment, you can apply for this scheme. 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 allow you to determine if your symptoms are linked to this condition and, if they are the case, what treatment options may be available.
The assessment process typically involves discussions with a psychiatrist consultant, however, it could also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your lifestyle and medical history and also your family and social background. This will help them understand your difficulties better, and determine if there are other factors that might be driving your behavior.
If the psychiatrist determines that you may have ADHD and is able to determine that, he or she will send a report to your GP. They might request you to fill out a DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire which will provide them with more information about your difficulties and how they might 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 follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a "right to be provided'. If your GP refuses the referral for an ADHD assessment, you can request a different GP to do it or contact AADD UK for help.
Once you've been referred after being referred, the NHS will examine your case in detail. They will look at any evidence you can provide for example, such as reports from your teacher or your doctor, as well as other health professionals. They will also consider other conditions like depression and anxiety that could be causing problems for you.
The assessment process can be frustrating and lengthy, but it is important to keep in mind that there are often long waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how you'll cope while waiting for an appointment, request your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement that includes a private service. These agreements permit you to access private assessments and treatments at a lower cost. It is best to first inquire with your GP if they will take them into consideration.