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ADHD Assessment in Wales In England, Wales and Northern Ireland patients are legally entitled to access NHS specialist ADHD services. This is not always possible due to the underfunding of these services, as well as regional variations in the level of specialization. Doctors are often predisposed about what a person with ADHD appears like, and this can impede the process of being diagnosed. It can be helpful for patients to get information from someone who is familiar with them well. Assessment To determine if have ADHD, you should first make an appointment with a doctor. They'll want to know the effect it has on your life as well as any other issues you are experiencing. Once Iam Psychiatry have all the details they need, they can decide if they would like to refer you to an adult ADHD service. Or, you can self-refer and pay for an individual ADHD assessment with a skilled psychologist. If an GP refers you for an NHS ADHD assessment, the process typically begins with a interview with a clinical psychologist. 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 regarding your background in education and mental health and a list of your current difficulties. The interview will usually last about an hour. It is possible to make some notes on your challenges prior to the interview so that you can remember them. You can also gather feedback from people you are familiar with, such as your teachers or supervisors, to gain more insight into the difficulties you face. During the interview, the specialist will assess your symptoms based on the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also look into any other issues which could be responsible for the symptoms. This is known as differential diagnosis. They examine other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. A private assessment typically includes a thorough examination and a clinical interview. They might also request that you discuss your feelings with those close to you, such as family members or friends. They will also inquire about your medication, as well as any other issues that you may be dealing with. The specialist will then make use of this information to design an individual treatment plan that could include medications as well as psychotherapy. Private assessments are generally faster than NHS assessments due to the fact that they don't require you to consult your GP. However, this approach can be expensive and might not cover everything your GP must do. Diagnosis The first thing to do if you suspect that you are suffering from ADHD is to talk to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and request any evidence to back it up such as ASRS questionnaires or school reports. Bring these documents along. The next step is to be referred to an assessment. You can choose to go through the NHS or the private sector. If you decide to go through the NHS the process can be long and it's not unusual to have an in-demand list. A private ADHD evaluation is usually a quicker and easier experience. You will be able to meet with a senior consultant psychiatrist who will undertake a comprehensive psychosis assessment. They will review with you your symptom history along with your medical background, drug history and family history. They will also look at other health conditions to determine if they are present alongside or in lieu of ADHD. The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis once he's examined your symptoms. This will be based on the information you've provided them along with the symptom checklists you completed as well as the behaviour rating scales. They can also rely on other sources, like information from family members, teachers or other friends who know you, your doctor, and your health records. When they've reached a decision, the psychiatrist will explain it to you in detail. The psychiatrist will outline a plan of treatment that will include medication. If you have a private diagnosis, and you are taking medication, it's crucial to inquire with your GP whether they'll sign a'shared-care agreement'. This way, you can avail support services like specialist coaching and therapeutic interventions to manage your illness. Treatment If your doctor confirms that you suffer from ADHD If he or she confirms that you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert mental health team, who will conduct a specialized assessment. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires by a psychiatrist or psychologist about your symptoms and the past. They will also ask you about your family and work history. It's important to be aware that medical professionals could have preconceived notions about what it is like for people suffering from ADHD, and these can affect how they assess you. For instance, they may believe that you're unruly or reckless if you suffer from ADHD. After a complete psychiatric evaluation your doctor will diagnose ADHD. They will assess your symptoms and how long you've been suffering from them, and how they affect your life. They will also look at any other health issues you may have. For example, if you suffer from depression or anxiety or depression, these can make your ADHD symptoms worse. The treatment for ADHD is a combination of medications and therapy. The medications used to treat ADHD enhance brain activity areas that control behaviour and attention. The most commonly used medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is part of a group of medicines known as stimulants. These medications are available through the NHS and can be taken orally. They can improve your focus and reduce hyperactivity. Your doctor will advise you on the length of time you should take your medication, and a lot of patients are prescribed it as long as they require it. Another form of treatment for ADHD is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that is a type of talk therapy that helps you comprehend how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes impact your behavior. CBT can be used to treat anxiety and depression. It's important to choose a therapist that is experienced in treating adults with ADHD. If you've been diagnosed of ADHD, you may be eligible for financial assistance through Access to Work. This is a program run by the Department for Work and Pensions that provides practical and financial support to help you succeed in your work. If you are self-employed or looking for employment, you may apply for this scheme. You can get more information about the scheme on its website. Support If you're concerned about ADHD or you've been told you might have it, you should have an evaluation by a specialist doctor. This will allow you to find out whether your symptoms are related to this condition and, if they are the case, what treatment options may be available. The assessment process usually involves conversations with a psychiatrist consultant, however, it could also involve questionnaires or rating scales. The psychiatrist will also take note of your medical history and lifestyle and your family and social background. This can help them understand your issues better, and determine if there are any other factors that might be contributing to your behaviour. If a psychiatrist believes that you might have ADHD the doctor will submit a report to your GP. They might 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 affect your life. Your doctor may refer you to a mental health clinic for adults or an ADHD clinic. The NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follows the NICE guidelines on ADHD which grants you a “right to be provided'. If your GP refuses the referral for an ADHD assessment, then you can ask another GP to do it or contact AADD UK to seek advice. The NHS will review your case in detail after you've been referred to them. They will review any evidence you can provide such as reports from teachers or your doctor, as well as other health experts. They will also look at other conditions, such as depression and anxiety that could cause you issues. The assessment process can be a bit gruelling and time-consuming, but it is important to remember that there are typically long waiting lists for appointments. If you're worried about how you will manage while waiting for an appointment make an appointment with your GP to establish the Shared-Care Agreement with a private provider. These agreements let you access private assessment and treatment at a discounted cost. You should first ask your GP whether they will accept them.