ADHD Assessment at Cardiff General Hospital
Despite the COVID-19 epidemic, we have remained committed to providing an efficient service to our patients and have piloted new clinical pathways that are standardised for adult ADHD assessment. This includes the introduction of Qb Test as an ADHD screening tool.
Medical staff can have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD looks like. It can help to familiarise yourself with the characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment.
What is ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive analysis of the symptoms and their impact on everyday life. It can be used to identify the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment. This can include medication or Cognitive Behavioural therapy. The aim is to decrease inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that are associated with the disorder, improve attitudes and abilities to manage day-to-day life, and decrease the impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention symptoms. This can also reduce the distress that symptoms can cause and help them achieve their full potential.
The procedure begins with an interview with a specialist psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise and training in diagnosing ADHD. They will ask for details of your symptoms, along with your medical history and family history. They will also review your social and work environments to determine any factors that may be contributing to symptoms.
Many doctors utilize questionnaires and ratings scales in addition to interviews with the patient to ensure that they are gathering standard information. For children, this could include parent and teacher interviews as well as rating scales such as the Vanderbilt or Conners indexes. For adults, these are more in-depth and can involve a full psychiatric interview.
During the interview, a doctor will try to find out the date when your symptoms first began to manifest and what effect they have on your daily life. In order to make a diagnosis, they will need to see that you have at least six symptoms of ADHD (inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity) over the last six months. For adults, this must occur in two or more environments and interfere with the normal flow of daily functioning.
The doctor will also review your medical history and will look for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like thyroid issues or head injury. They will also look at your past school records, to determine if the symptoms started before 12. In certain instances they may seek information from people who know you, such as friends or family members. They can also ask to see any reports written like notes from school or work.
What are the signs of ADHD?
ADHD is mental health condition that causes issues in paying attention and staying focused, as well as being organised. It is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADHD). It can cause difficulties at school, in the workplace and in relationships. It can also make it difficult to cope with depression and anxiety. ADHD can be caused by a variety of causes such as genetics.
Children must exhibit at least six signs or signs that last for a long time and cause significant problems in order to be diagnosed as ADHD. Squirming, fidgeting, or leaving their seats even when they should be seated are all symptoms of ADHD. why are adhd assessments so expensive include forgetting things and making careless errors. Children who are restless or impulsive can also struggle to wait for their turn and interrupt games or conversations, blurt out answers before being asked, and even take things from other people without asking permission.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD need to meet an upper threshold of criteria in order to have five out of nine symptoms during the last six months. In an assessment, the doctor asks you about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They will also examine you and do psychological tests. They will also look over your employment and school records, as well your previous history of alcohol or drug usage and any mental health issues that may be present in your family.
The doctor will attempt to rule out other illnesses that could be contributing to your symptoms, including learning disabilities, mood disorders or thyroid problems. They will also assess whether you've had any head injuries or other medical problems that can influence ADHD symptoms like seizures. Inform your doctor if have any family history of ADHD, or any other mental health problems. Bring any relevant documents such as old reports or performance evaluations at your workplace, to your appointment.
What are the treatment options for ADHD?
Treatment options include behavioral, educational, and psychosocial. Most people with ADHD receive a mix of these treatments, and most successful results occur when a multidisciplinary approach is used. Treatment involves teaching parents how to manage the behavior of their children and providing the structure they need at home, as well as training teachers to spot signs of ADHD in children and encourage more behavioral responses in the classroom. Counseling may also be part of the treatment plan, including family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and marital or relationship counseling.
The first step in treatment is a thorough assessment. It will examine a person's current and, if they are an adult, past health issues, mood and history of ADHD symptoms. It also solicits feedback from friends and relatives as well as colleagues at work and teachers.
There are a variety of conditions and illnesses that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Your doctor will evaluate the symptoms against the criteria, and may recommend further evaluation by a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
There are many medications that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, including stimulants. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medicine, works by increasing brain activity in the areas that control behavior and attention. It comes in immediate-release tablets that are small doses taken twice or three times daily. It can also be modified-release tablets that release the medication throughout the day. Both of these forms can aid in improving concentration and focus. It is best to use them in accordance with the prescriptions of your doctor.
Often people with ADHD also have other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. These conditions may need to be treated in addition to the ADHD or make it more difficult to use medication for ADHD. If you or your children are being treated for co-existing issues the treatment will be integrated into the treatment of ADHD.
Many adults suffering from ADHD benefit from talking therapy, including individual and family psychological counseling (psychotherapy). During this type of counseling you will learn to better understand the way your ADHD affects you or your child, and create strategies to cope with the challenges.
How do I get an ADHD assessment?
Talk with your GP if you suspect that you or your child suffers from ADHD. They should be attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert ADHD assessment.
Bring your photo ID to the appointment. You will also have to complete some pre-screening questionnaires prior to your appointment with your psychiatrist. This is so that the consultation can be held to a certain time, which will help to ensure that the process of diagnosing doesn't get delayed. You should complete these forms as soon as you can to allow your doctor time to review them.
The expert will then speak with you, your child and any other adults that spend a lot of time with your child or you. This could include babysitters, teachers, coaches and other family members. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, your child's past and your daily routine.
It is crucial to be open and honest during the interview so that your doctor will understand all of the issues and difficulties you are experiencing. It is not uncommon for people to suffer from other mental disorders in addition to ADHD. Your doctor will want to make sure that you don't have any other disorders.
Once the interviews and questionnaires have been completed, your specialist will write a detailed report of their findings. The report will be sent directly to your GP together with copies for both you and your child. If you wish your doctor can send recommendation letters to workplaces or schools for an additional fee.
Certain adults may find it difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD because of the stigma and misconceptions regarding the disorder. For this reason, it is important to find a professional who is skilled in diagnosing adults with ADHD and will assist you in getting the treatment you require. You can also join an ADHD support group or ask for recommendations from those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.