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 as well as regional variations in specialism.
GPs have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD may appear like, and this can make it difficult to identify. It can be helpful for patients to get information from someone who understands their condition well.
Assessment
If you suspect that you might have ADHD the first step is to set an appointment with your GP. They'll be looking to find out how it affects your life and if you are suffering from any other issues. Once they have all the information they require, they will decide if they want to refer you to an adult ADHD service. Or, you can self-refer and pay for an in-person ADHD assessment with a qualified clinician.
The process starts with a medical interview when you are referred by your GP to undergo an NHS ADHD evaluation. This could be in person, by video call or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of current challenges, a questionnaire with questions about your education and mental health background and a list of your current issues. adhd self assessment test will usually last about an hour. You might want to write notes about your difficulties prior to the interview so that you can remember them. You can also gather feedback from people you trust like your supervisors or teachers, to gain more insight into the challenges you're facing.
During the interview, the doctor will assess your symptoms in relation to the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also examine any other issues that could be causing them. This is referred to as differential diagnosis and they will look at other conditions like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment will usually include a detailed clinical interview as well as tests that are observational. They might also request that you talk about your experiences with people who are close to you, like family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication and any other issues you may be facing. The doctor will then utilize this information to develop an individual treatment plan, which could include medications and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are usually quicker than NHS assessments because they don't require you to go through your GP. This method is expensive and might not cover everything that your GP should do.
Diagnosis
The first thing you need to do if you suspect you are suffering from ADHD is to talk to your GP. They should take you concerns seriously and request any supporting evidence, such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports. Bring these documents along.
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 go through the NHS, the process can be lengthy and it's not unusual to have a waiting list. A private ADHD evaluation is typically an easier and shorter experience.
You will be able to meet with a senior psychiatrist who will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. They will go over your symptom history and developmental history, as well as medical and drug history and family history with you. They will also look at other health conditions to determine if they are present alongside or in lieu of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make an assessment after having evaluated your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you have provided, such as the symptom checklists and behaviour rating scales. They could also draw information from other sources, such as teachers, family members or other friends who know you well, your doctor and your health records.
Once they have reached an agreement, the psychiatrist will explain it to you in detail. The psychiatrist will outline a plan of treatment that will include medication. Once you have an individual diagnosis and are taking medication, it's crucial to ask your GP if they will accept a'shared-care agreement'. You can then access support services like therapeutic interventions and specialist coaching to help you manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP believes that you suffer from ADHD They will refer you to a specialist mental health team for an expert assessment. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist about your symptoms and past. You will be asked about your family history as well as your work history. It's important to be aware that medical professionals could have preconceived notions about what is expected for people suffering from ADHD, and these can influence how they judge you. They may think you're unruly, or irresponsible, if you have ADHD.
After undergoing a complete mental health assessment the doctor will be able to diagnose you with ADHD. They will examine your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them and how they affect your life. They will also look at any other health issues you may have. For instance, if suffer from depression or anxiety or depression, these can cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is a combination of therapy and medication. The medications for ADHD boost brain activity areas that regulate behaviour and attention. The most common medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is a member of a group of medicines called stimulants. These medications can be taken orally and are available on the NHS. They can help improve your concentration, as well as reduce impulse-driven and hyperactive behaviour. Your doctor will determine the length of time you should take your medication, and many people are prescribed it the duration they require it.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a different kind of treatment that could be employed to treat ADHD. CBT is a therapy that teaches you to recognize the effects of your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes on your behaviour. CBT can also be used to assist you in dealing with anxiety and depression. It is essential to find a therapist with expertise in treating adults with ADHD.
If you have a diagnosis of ADHD and are diagnosed with ADHD, you could be eligible for financial help through Access to Work. This is a program run by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide practical and financial support to help you succeed in your job. If you are a self-employed person or are seeking employment, you may apply for this scheme. Find out more about the scheme by visiting its website.
Support
If you are concerned regarding ADHD, or have been told you might have it, it's important to have an evaluation by a specialist doctor. You can then determine if your symptoms are linked to ADHD and, if so, what treatments are available.
The assessment process is usually performed by a psychiatrist consultant, but it may also include questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your medical and lifestyle history as well as your social and family background. This will allow them to better comprehend your issues and determine whether other factors are causing your behavior.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you may be suffering from ADHD the doctor will send a report to your GP. They might require you to complete the DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire which will provide them with more details about your problems and how they may be affecting your life. The GP will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health service.
The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a "right to provide'. If your doctor is unable to provide the referral for an ADHD assessment, then you can ask another GP to do it or contact AADD UK to seek advice.
The NHS will investigate your case in depth once you've been referred. They will examine any evidence you provide, including reports from your teacher, your GP or other health experts. They will also consider whether other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your problems.
The assessment process may be a bit gruelling and time-consuming It's important to keep in mind that there are typically long waiting lists for appointments. If you are worried about how you'll cope while you wait for an appointment, ask your GP to set up an agreement for Shared-Care with a private service. These agreements permit you to access private assessments and follow-up treatment at a reduced rate. You should first check with your GP whether they will accept these agreements.