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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 is not always feasible due to under-funding of these services and regional variations in specialism.
Doctors have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD may appear like, and this can make it difficult to identify. It can be helpful for patients to have information from someone who knows them well.
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To determine if you have ADHD, you should first consult with a doctor. They will need to know the effect it is having on your life as well as any other issues you are experiencing. Once they have the information, they can decide if they would like to recommend you for an assessment with a commissioned adult ADHD service. You can self-refer to a psychologist and pay for an ADHD assessment.
The process begins with a medical interview when you are referred by your GP to undergo an NHS ADHD evaluation. This could be in person, via video chat or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of current challenges, a questionnaire with questions regarding your background in education and mental health and a list of current challenges. Interviews typically last about an hour. It can be useful to have some notes about your challenges ready before the interview to ensure that you are able to recall them. You can also bring along any feedback from people who know you well, like teachers or supervisors to gain a better understanding into your difficulties.
During the interview, the specialist will examine your symptoms in relation to the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also look into any other issues that could be the cause of your symptoms. This is referred to as a differential diagnosis, and they will consider whether other issues like depression or anxiety could be the cause.
A private examination usually includes a thorough clinical interview and observational tests. They may also request input from people who know you well, like family members or friends. They will also ask about your medication and any other issues that you may be facing. The doctor will use this information to design an individualized treatment plan that could include psychotherapy and medication.
Private assessments are usually quicker than NHS assessments because there is no need to consult your GP. However, this approach can be expensive and may not cover everything that your GP needs to do.
Diagnosis
If you think you might 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 bring these with you.
The next step is to refer you for an assessment. 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 there is usually a waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically more efficient and less stressful.
You will be able to meet with a senior psychiatrist who will carry out an exhaustive psychiatric examination. They will discuss with you your symptoms history as well as your developmental history, medical history, drug history and family history. They will also consider other health issues and decide whether these are present alongside or instead of ADHD.
The psychiatrist will come up with an assessment after having evaluated your symptoms. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you have provided, including the symptom checklists and scales of behaviour. They may also use other sources, such as information from teachers, family members or even acquaintances with you, your GP, and your health records.
The psychiatrist will explain their decision in detail after they have made their decision. The psychiatrist will outline a plan of care that includes medication. Once you have an individual diagnosis and you are taking medication, it is important to inquire with your GP whether they'll sign the concept of a shared-care agreement. You can then avail support services like therapeutic interventions and specialized coaching to help manage your health condition.
Treatment
If your doctor confirms that you have ADHD, he or she will refer you to a specialist mental health team, who will conduct a specialist assessment. This will include psychiatrists or clinical psychologists who will require you to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms and history. You will be asked about your family history as well as work history. It's important to remember that medical professionals could have preconceived ideas regarding what's expected for people suffering from ADHD and these may affect how they assess you. For instance, they may consider you to be a naughty person or reckless if you suffer from ADHD.
Once you've had a full mental health assessment, your doctor will be able to identify you with ADHD. They will examine your symptoms, the length of time you've experienced them and how they affect your life. They will also look at any other health issues you may have. For instance, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, these could cause your ADHD symptoms worse.
Treatment for ADHD involves a combination of therapy and medication. The medications used to treat ADHD increase activity in brain areas that regulate behavior and attention. The most popular medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medications known as stimulants. These medications are available through the NHS and can be taken by mouth. They can help improve your concentration, reduce the impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Your doctor will determine how long you should take your medication, and most people are prescribed it as long as they require it.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a different type of treatment that can be used to treat ADHD. CBT is a therapy that teaches you to recognize the effects of your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes on your behavior. CBT can also be used to help you deal with anxiety and depression. It's important to choose a therapist that is adept at treating adults with 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 that provides practical and financial support to help you in your job. If you are self-employed or looking for employment, you can apply for this scheme. You can find more details about the scheme on its website.
Support
It is important to speak with a specialist if you are worried about ADHD or have been told you might have it. You can then determine if your symptoms are linked to ADHD and, in the event that they are what treatment options are available.
The assessment process is typically carried out by a psychiatrist consultant, but it may also include questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also be aware of your life and medical history as well as your family and social background. This will help them comprehend your issues and determine if any other factors are contributing to your behavior.
If a psychiatrist determines that you may be suffering from ADHD the doctor will make a report to your GP. They might ask you to complete the 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 daily life. The doctor will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or adult mental health service.
The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows the NICE guidelines for ADHD that grant you the right to treatment'. This means that if your GP does not want to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you can ask another GP to refer you or contact AADD-UK for assistance.
The NHS will examine your case thoroughly after you've been referred to them. They will examine any evidence you can provide, including reports from your teacher, your GP or other health professionals. They will also assess whether other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, could be the cause of your issues.
The process of assessing can be lengthy and stressful It's important to remember that the NHS is under strain and there are many 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 an agreement for Shared-Care with a private healthcare provider. These agreements permit you to access a private assessment and follow up treatment for the cost of a lower rate. It is best to first inquire with your GP if they will take them into consideration.