ADHD Assessment in Wales
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to access specialist ADHD services provided by the NHS. However, this is not always possible due to the lack of funding of these services and regional differences in specialisation.
GPs have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might look like, which can make it difficult to diagnose. If possible, it is really helpful for patients to bring information about their condition from people who are familiar with their condition.
Assessment
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to make an appointment with your GP. They'll need to know the impact that it is having on your life, as well as any other issues you are experiencing. Once they have all the data they require, they will decide if they wish to refer you to an adult ADHD service. Or, you can self-refer and pay for a private ADHD assessment with an experienced clinician.
The process starts with a consultation when you are referred by your GP for an NHS ADHD evaluation. This can be in person, by video call or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of your current challenges, a questionnaire with questions about your education and mental health background and a list of your current challenges. The interview usually lasts approximately one hour. It is possible to make notes about your difficulties prior to the interview to ensure you can remember them. You could also include feedback from people you trust, such as your supervisors or teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties you are facing.
During this visit, 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 that could be the cause of your symptoms. This is known as differential diagnosis and they will examine other conditions, like anxiety or depression.
A private assessment usually includes a thorough medical interview and observational tests. They might also request that you talk about your experiences with people who are close to you, such as family or friends. They will also inquire about your medications as well as any other issues you may be facing. The doctor will utilize this information to create an individualized treatment plan that may include medication and psychotherapy.
Private assessments are generally faster than NHS assessments because there is no need to go through your GP. This is costly and may not cover all the things your GP should be doing.
Diagnosis
If you think you have ADHD, the first step is speaking to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and ask if you have any supporting evidence like ASRS questionnaires, school reports or work-related assessments. It is recommended to bring these with you.
The next step is to be referred to a medical professional for an evaluation. You can either go through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to go through the NHS the process can be long and often there is an in-patient waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically a shorter and more straightforward experience.
You'll be able talk to an experienced psychiatrist who will perform an exhaustive psychiatric examination. They will discuss with you the history of your symptoms and also your medical history, developmental background, drug history and family history. They will also review other health conditions to determine if they exist along with or instead of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis after he has assessed your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you've provided, such as the checklists of symptoms and the behaviour rating scales. They may also use other sources, including information from family members, teachers or even friends who know you, your GP, and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain the decision in detail after they have made it. They will outline a care plan, which will include the option of medication. It's important to find out whether your GP will agree to what's referred to as a 'shared care agreement', once you've received a private diagnosis and are taking medication. You'll be able to access support services including therapeutic interventions and specialized coaching to manage your illness.
Treatment
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, they will refer you to a specialist mental health team for a specialist assessment. This will include a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who will require you to complete questionnaires on your symptoms and history. You will be asked about your family history as well as your work history. Remember that medical professionals might have preconceived ideas about how people suffering from ADHD behave and this could affect their perception of you. For instance, they could consider you to be a naughty person or irresponsible if you have ADHD.
Once you've had a full psycho-psychiatric evaluation, your doctor will be able to diagnose you with ADHD. They will examine your symptoms, the length of time you've had 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 this can make your ADHD symptoms worse.
The treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. The drugs for ADHD increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is part of the group of medicines called stimulants. These medications are available on the NHS and are taken by mouth. They can improve your focus and decrease hyperactivity. Your specialist will discuss the duration of your medication, and a lot of people are prescribed it for the duration they require it.
Another treatment option for ADHD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is a type of talk therapy that helps you comprehend how your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your behavior. CBT can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It is essential to find a therapist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you could be eligible for financial assistance through Access to Work. It is a program administered by the Department for Work and Pensions which can provide financial and practical support to help you succeed in your job. You can apply for this scheme for self-employment or if you're looking for work. You can find more details about the scheme through its website.
Support
It is important to speak with an expert if you're concerned about ADHD or have been told that you might have it. You can then determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD and, in the event that they are what treatment options are available.
The assessment process is usually performed by a psychiatrist consultant, but can also include questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also keep track of your medical and lifestyle history as well as your family and social history. This can help them understand your problems better and determine if there are any other factors that might be contributing to your behaviour.
If a psychiatrist determines that you might have ADHD and they conclude that you may have ADHD, they will write a report for your GP. You might be asked to complete the DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD) that will provide more details about the challenges you're facing and how they could affect your life. The doctor will then refer you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health services.
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 referral for an ADHD assessment, then you can ask another GP to do it or contact AADD UK for advice.
Once you've been referred after being referred, the NHS will consider your case in detail. They will look at any evidence you provide such as reports from teachers or your doctor, as well as other health professionals. They will also look into whether other conditions, like anxiety or depression, might be causing your problems.
The process of assessment can be long and frustrating It's important to keep in mind that the NHS is under strain and there are often waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how you'll be able to cope with waiting for an appointment, you could request your GP for a Shared Care Agreement, which is a private service. adhd assessment cost uk permit you to access a private assessment and follow up treatment for the cost of a lower rate. However, you should check whether your GP will agree to these prior to beginning the process.