ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have the legal right to access NHS special ADHD services. However, this isn't always possible due to inadequate funding of these services as well as regional differences in the specialization.
GPs have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD might appear like, and this makes it difficult to identify. If possible, it is really helpful for patients to take information about their condition from people who are familiar with their condition.
Assessment
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, the first step is to set an appointment with your GP. They will need to know what impact it is having on your life and any other issues you are having difficulty with. Once they have all the details they require, they can decide if they want to refer you to an adult ADHD service. You can also self-refer and pay for an in-person ADHD assessment with a skilled professional.
The process starts with a consultation if you are referred by your GP to undergo an NHS ADHD evaluation. This can be in person, by video calls or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current problems, a questionnaire containing questions regarding your background in education and mental health and a list your current challenges. The interview will usually last about an hour. You may want to prepare notes about your difficulties before the interview so you're able to recall the issues. You can also gather feedback from people you trust like your teachers or supervisors, to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties you face.
During the interview, the specialist will assess your symptoms based on the criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also look into any other conditions that may be the cause of your symptoms. This is known as a differential diagnosis, and they will look into whether other conditions such as anxiety or depression may be the cause.
A private assessment typically involves a lengthy medical interview and observational tests. They may also request that you discuss your feelings with those close to you, like family or friends. They will also ask you about your medication, and any other issues you might have to deal with. The specialist will then make use of this information to design a personalised treatment plan, that could include medications as well as psychotherapy.
Private assessments are typically faster than NHS assessments since you don't have to consult your GP. This is costly and might not cover everything that your GP should do.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, the first step is speaking to your GP. They will be attentive to your concerns and ask if you have any supporting evidence like ASRS questionnaires and school reports or work assessments. It is recommended to bring these with you.
The next step is to be referred for an assessment. This could be through the NHS or private sector. If you decide to take advantage of the NHS, the process can be lengthy and it's not uncommon to be on a a waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is usually an easier and shorter experience.
You will be able to meet with a senior consultant psychiatrist who will conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment. They will go over your symptom history development history, medical and drug history as well as your family history with you. They will also look at other health conditions to determine if they are present in conjunction with or in addition to ADHD.
Once the psychiatrist has had the opportunity to assess your symptoms, they'll then come to a diagnosis. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the evidence you've provided, such as the checklists of symptoms and the scales of behaviour. They may also use other sources, like information from teachers, family members or even friends who are familiar with you, your GP, and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain their decision in detail after they have made their decision. They will outline a care plan which includes the option of medication. It's important to find out whether your GP will sign what's known as a "shared care agreement", once you've received an individual diagnosis and are taking medication. This will allow you to avail support services like specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to help manage your condition.
Treatment
If your GP agrees you have ADHD they will refer you to a specialist mental health team for a specialized assessment. This includes psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, who will require you to complete questionnaires about your symptoms and past history. They will also ask you about your family and work history. Be aware that medical professionals may have preconceived beliefs regarding how people with ADHD behave and it can impact their judgment of you. They might think you're naughty, or irresponsible, in the event that you suffer from ADHD.
After a thorough psychiatric examination Your doctor will be able to diagnose ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the amount of time you've experienced them and how they affect your life. They will also take into consideration any other health issues that you may have. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety it could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD is the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. Medications for ADHD work by increasing activity in brain regions that control attention and behaviour. The most popular medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which belongs to the class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications can be taken orally and are available on the NHS. They can help to improve your concentration, reduce impulse-driven and hyperactive behaviour. Your specialist will discuss how long you should take your medication, and many people are prescribed it the duration they require it.
Another treatment option for ADHD is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a form of talking therapy that helps you understand how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your behavior. CBT can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It is crucial to find a therapist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you could be eligible for financial aid through Access to Work. This is a program run by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide financial and practical support to help you in your work. If you are self-employed or seeking work, you are eligible to apply for this scheme. On its website you can learn more about the scheme.
Support
It is essential to consult an expert if you're concerned about ADHD or have been told you may have it. You will then be able to determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD, and in the event that they are, what treatments are available.
The assessment process typically involves conversations with a psychiatrist consultant, but may also include questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also note your medical history and lifestyle as well as your family and social background. This will allow them to better know your concerns and determine if any other factors are causing your behavior.
If a psychiatrist believes that you may be suffering from ADHD and is able to determine that, he or she will send an assessment for your GP. They may ask you to complete a DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire, which will give them more details about your problems and how they might be affecting your daily life. The doctor will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or an adult mental health service.
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 refuses the request for an ADHD assessment, then you can request a different GP to refer you or contact AADD UK to seek advice.
how do you get assessed for adhd will investigate your case in depth once you've been referred. They will look at any evidence you can provide for example, such as reports from your teacher, your GP or other health experts. They will also assess whether other conditions, like anxiety or depression, might be the cause of your issues.
The assessment process can be a bit gruelling and time-consuming However, it's important to keep in mind that there are often long waiting lists for appointments. If you are worried about how you'll manage while waiting for an appointment make an appointment with your GP to establish the Shared-Care Agreement with a private provider. These agreements allow you to access private assessment and follow up treatment for an affordable price. However, you should check that your GP will agree to these agreements prior to beginning the process.