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ADHD Assessment in Wales In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, patients have the legal right to seek specialist ADHD services provided by the NHS. It is not always feasible due to the lack of funding of these services, as well as regional variations in the level of specialization. The GPs usually have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like, and this can impede the process of getting diagnosed. It is helpful for patients to have information from someone who is familiar with them well. The Assessment If you think that you may have ADHD The first step is to set an appointment with your GP. They'll need to know what impact it is having on your life, as well as any other issues you are experiencing. Once they have this information, they can decide if they would like to refer you for an assessment at a commissioned adult ADHD service. Alternatively, you can self-refer and pay for a private ADHD assessment with a qualified professional. If an GP suggests you to undergo an NHS ADHD assessment, the process typically begins with a interview with a clinical psychologist. It can be conducted in person, via video chat or over the phone. You will be asked to bring a list of current problems, a questionnaire containing questions regarding your education and mental health background and a list of your current difficulties. Interviews usually last one hour. It is beneficial to have a list of your difficulties prior to the interview to ensure you remember them. You could also include feedback from people you trust such as your supervisors or teachers, to gain a better understanding of the difficulties you face. During the interview, the specialist will examine your symptoms based on the criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also consider any other issues that may be causing the symptoms. This is called differential diagnosis. They will look at other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. A private examination usually involves a lengthy examination and a clinical interview. They will also seek opinions from those who know you well, for example family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication and any other issues you might be facing. The specialist will then make use of this information to design an individual treatment plan, which could include medications and psychotherapy. Private assessments are usually quicker than NHS assessments since there is no need to consult your GP. However, this approach can be expensive and may not cover everything that your GP must do. Diagnosis The first thing you should do if you suspect that you have ADHD is to consult your GP. They should take you concerns seriously and request any evidence that supports your claim such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports. It is best to bring these with you. Then, you will be directed to a medical professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done through the NHS or the private sector. If you choose to go through the NHS the process can be long and there is usually a waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is typically a shorter and more straightforward experience. You'll be able to have a meeting with a senior psychiatrist who will perform an exhaustive psychiatric examination. They will review with you the history of your symptoms and also your developmental history, medical history, drug history, and family history. They will also review other health issues and decide whether they exist alongside or in addition to ADHD. Once the psychiatrist has had the opportunity to evaluate your symptoms, they'll determine a diagnosis. The psychiatrist will base their diagnosis on the information you have given, such as symptoms checklists and the scales for assessing your behavior. They can also rely on other sources, like information from teachers, family members, or friends who are familiar with you, your doctor, and your health records. Once they have reached an agreement, the psychiatrist will explain the decision to you in detail. The psychiatrist will outline a plan of treatment that will include medications. It is important to determine whether your GP will agree to what's referred to as a “shared care agreement”, once you've received an official diagnosis and are taking medication. This will allow you to access support services such as specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your condition. Treatment If your GP believes that you suffer from ADHD they will refer you to a specialist mental health team for a specialist assessment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires with a psychologist or psychiatrist regarding your symptoms and the past. You will be asked about your family background and work history. It is important to keep in mind that medical professionals could have preconceived notions about what is expected for people with ADHD and these may influence how they judge you. For instance, they may consider you to be a naughty person or reckless if you suffer from ADHD. After a thorough psychiatric examination Your doctor will be able to diagnose ADHD. They will examine your symptoms, the length of time you've experienced them, and how they impact your life. They will also consider any other health problems you suffer from. For example, if you have anxiety or depression or depression, these can cause your ADHD symptoms worse. Treatment for ADHD is the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. Medications for ADHD help by increasing the activity in the brain's areas that regulate attention and behavior. The most common medication used for ADHD is methylphenidate. It belongs to a group of medicines known as stimulants. These drugs are available through the NHS and can be taken by mouth. They can improve your concentration and reduce hyperactivity. Your doctor will determine the length of time you should take your medication, and many people are prescribed it as long as they need it. Cognitive behavioural therapy is another type of treatment that can 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 depression and anxiety. It is essential to choose a therapist that is skilled in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If you're diagnosed with ADHD You may be eligible for financial assistance through Access to Work. This is a scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions that can provide practical and financial support to help you succeed in your job. If you are self-employed or looking for work, you are eligible to apply for this scheme. You can find more details about the scheme by visiting its website. Support If you are concerned regarding ADHD, or have been told that you may have it, it's important to have an evaluation by an expert doctor. This will help you determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition and, if they are possible treatment options could be available. The assessment process is usually conducted by a psychiatrist consultant, but can 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 history. This will help them better comprehend your issues and determine if any other factors are causing your behavior. If a psychiatrist believes that you might have ADHD the doctor will send a report to your GP. They may ask you to complete an DIVA 5.0 (Diagnostic Interview for Adults with ADHD) questionnaire which will provide them with more details about your issues and how they might be affecting your daily life. The GP may refer you to a mental health clinic for adults or an ADHD clinic. The NHS in England and Wales as well as Northern Ireland, follows the NICE guidelines for ADHD that grant you a 'right to treatment'. If your GP refuses the request for an ADHD assessment, you can request a different GP to refer you or contact AADD UK for advice. Once you've been referred after being referred, the NHS will examine your case in depth. The NHS will take into consideration any evidence you can provide for example, reports from your GPs, teachers or other health experts. CAMHS ADHD assessment UK I Am Psychiatry will also examine other conditions such as anxiety and depression that might be causing problems for you. The assessment process can be long and frustrating However, it's important to keep in mind that the NHS is under strain and there are often waiting lists for appointments. If you are worried about how you will be able to cope when waiting for an appointment, ask your GP to establish a Shared-Care Agreement with a private provider. These agreements permit you to access private assessment and treatment at a discounted cost. It is best to first inquire with your GP to see if they are willing to take them into consideration.