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ADHD Assessment in Wales In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients have the legal right to use NHS special ADHD services. However, this is not always feasible due to under-funding of these services as well as regional differences in the specialization. Doctors have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD might appear like, and this makes it difficult to determine the cause. If possible, it is very beneficial for patients to take information with them from people who are familiar with them. The Assessment To determine if you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, first schedule an appointment with a medical professional. They'll want to know how it impacts your life and if you are suffering from any other issues. Once they have the information, they can decide if they want to send you to an assessment at a contracted adult ADHD service. You can self-refer to a psychologist and pay for an ADHD assessment. If a GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment the process is usually started with a interview with a clinical psychologist. This can be done in person, via video conference or via phone. You will need to bring along the list of your current problems and a questionnaire that includes questions about your development, education and mental health background. Interviews usually last an hour. You may want to prepare notes about your issues prior to the interview to ensure you can remember them. You can also bring in feedback from people you trust, such as your supervisors or teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties you're facing. During the appointment, the therapist will evaluate your symptoms in relation to the criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They will also investigate any other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms. This is known as a differential diagnosis, and they will look into whether other issues like depression or anxiety could be to blame. A private test will typically comprise a thorough interview as also observational tests. They might also request that you talk about your experiences with people who are close to you, such as family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication, as well as any other issues you may be dealing with. The specialist will then utilize this information to develop a personalised treatment plan, that could include medications as well as psychotherapy. Private assessments are usually more efficient than an NHS assessment because there is no need to see your GP. However, this method could be costly and may not cover everything that your GP must do. Diagnosis The first thing to do if you suspect you have ADHD is to speak with your GP. They will be attentive to your concerns and ask if you have any evidence to back it up, such as ASRS questionnaires, school reports or work-related assessments. Bring these documents with you. The next step is to be directed to a medical professional to conduct an assessment. This can be done through the NHS or private sector. If you decide to use the NHS the process can be long and it's not unusual to have a waiting list. A private ADHD assessment is usually a shorter and more straightforward experience. You will be able to meet with an experienced psychiatrist who will perform an exhaustive psychiatric examination. They will review with you your symptoms history along with your medical background, drug history and family history. They will also consider other health issues and decide whether they are present in conjunction with or in addition to ADHD. After the psychiatrist has had the opportunity to evaluate your symptoms, they'll be able to make a diagnosis. This will be based on the information you've provided them and the checklists of symptoms you completed and the behaviour rating scales. They could also draw information from other sources such as family members, teachers or friends who know you well, your GP and your health records. When they've reached an appropriate decision, the psychiatrist will explain the decision to you in detail. adhd assessment women will outline a treatment plan which should include the option for medication. It is important to determine whether your GP will agree to what's referred to as a 'shared care agreement' when you've been given an individual diagnosis and are taking medication. This will allow you to access support services such as therapy and coaching from a specialist to manage your condition. Treatment If your GP confirms that you suffer from ADHD, he or she will refer you to a specialist mental health team that will conduct a specialist assessment. This includes psychiatrists or clinical psychologists who will require you to complete questionnaires regarding your symptoms and the history. They will also ask you about your family and work history. Remember that medical professionals might have preconceived ideas regarding how people with ADHD behave and it can impact their assessment of you. For instance, they may think that you're naughty or reckless if you suffer from ADHD. After undergoing a complete psycho-psychiatric evaluation Your doctor will be able to identify you with ADHD. They will look at your symptoms, the amount of time you've had them and how they affect your life. They will also look at any other health issues that you may have. For instance, if you suffer from depression or anxiety they could make your ADHD symptoms worse. Treatment for ADHD involves the use of therapy in conjunction with medication. The medications used to treat ADHD increase activity in brain areas that regulate behaviour and attention. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications can be taken orally and are available through the NHS. They can help improve your concentration and decrease hyperactivity. Your doctor will determine the duration of your medication, and most patients are prescribed it as long as they require it. Another form of treatment for ADHD is cognitive treatment known as behavioural therapy (CBT) which is a form of talking therapy that helps you understand the way your beliefs, thoughts and attitudes influence your behavior. CBT can be used to treat depression and anxiety. It is important to choose a therapist that is adept at treating adults with ADHD. If you are diagnosed with ADHD If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you may be eligible for financial aid through Access to Work. This program is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and can provide you with financial and practical assistance to help you succeed in your job. You can apply for this scheme if you're self-employed or looking for a job. Find out more about the scheme through its website. Support It is important to speak with an expert if you're worried about ADHD or have been told you might be suffering from it. This will help you find out whether your symptoms are related to this condition, and if they are, what treatment options might be available. The assessment process is typically carried out by a psychiatrist consultant however, it can also involve questionnaires and rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your medical and lifestyle history and your social and family background. This will help them comprehend your problems better and determine if there are any other factors driving your behavior. If the psychiatrist believes 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 an DIVA 5.0 questionnaire (Diagnostic Interview For Adults With ADHD), which will provide more details about the issues you're facing and how they could impact your life. The doctor will then recommend you to an ADHD clinic or an adult mental health service. The NHS in England and Wales and Northern Ireland, follows the NICE guidelines for ADHD, which gives you the right to seek treatment'. This means that if your GP refuses to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you may request another GP to refer you or contact AADD-UK for help. The NHS will review your case thoroughly after you have been referred. They will examine any evidence you provide for example, such as reports from your teacher, your GP or other health professionals. They will also assess whether other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, might be causing your issues. The assessment process may be a bit gruelling and time-consuming It's important to remember that there are often long waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about your ability to cope while waiting for an appointment, you can ask your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement that includes private services. These agreements let you access private assessment and follow up treatment for an affordable price. You should first ask your GP if they will take them into consideration.