ADHD Assessments in England
For patients living in England there are numerous ways to get an ADHD assessment. The NHS 'Right to Choose' process allows quicker access to mental health professionals. It can make the difference between a few months or years waiting for the diagnosis.
A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by at least six signs that began before the age of 12. Your doctor will interview both you and other people close to you, such as a spouse or parent in the case of adults.
Symptoms
If you think your child or yourself have ADHD, it is important to find a qualified specialist to assess and diagnose the condition. Choose someone who is an expert in ADHD assessment. You can request referrals from your family physician or therapist, or from trusted friends. A specialist can assist you to understand what's happening and how to change the behaviors.
A clinical interview is the initial step in an ADHD assessment. The specialist asks about your medical history and your explanation of the symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask if you have any family members who have been diagnosed as ADHD because it is a disorder that often is found in families.
They will also ask whether you suffer from any other medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD or coexist with it. This includes anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They will also conduct physical examinations, which include an eye and hearing test to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The doctor will then ask you to assess your ADHD symptoms on an assessment scale that is specifically designed for the age group being assessed. This scale is known as the CAARS-L:S (children's version) or the CAARS-L: O (observer version). The ratings are based upon the behavior of your child or you over time and include questions regarding how you respond to various situations and activities.
They might also be able to interview other people close to you, such as a partner or other family members, coaches or teachers. It is important to know how your child behaves in different settings, as they may behave differently. They can also conduct cognitive tests to determine your intelligence and how you process information.
After an ADHD evaluation, the therapist will review all of the information gathered from multiple sources to determine a diagnosis of whether or the child or you are suffering from ADHD. They will write a summary or report to you and your doctor and discuss possible treatment options, if required.
Diagnosis
At first, the diagnosis of ADHD may seem overwhelming. There are a variety of steps to take However, there are ways to make the process be more smooth. Start by finding an expert in health care who is skilled in ADHD. You might be able to locate one through your child's school, your insurance company, a local hospital or a mental health organization or a non-profit group that supports children and adults with ADHD.
A doctor will start with a clinical interview to collect information about your child or yourself and will utilize rating scales and other sources of information to ensure that you or your child has the standard criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. These include symptoms that are reported by teachers, family members and friends, as well as your child's performance at school and at home. Your doctor will also take the medical history of a person and conduct a neuropsychological or physical exam to identify any comorbid problems like anxiety disorders, mood disorders or intellectual disabilities, that could be akin to the symptoms of ADHD.
For a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must show six or more established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity in two settings and have them significantly interfere with daily functioning. The symptomatic behavior also must have been present prior to the age of 12 years old. Lastly, the symptoms of the disorder must be the cause and not another condition such as anxiety or depression.
Many healthcare professionals believe that boys and children who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) are more likely to develop ADHD than girls and children AFAB but ADHD affects both genders equally. In reality girls and children AFAB tend to exhibit more inattention symptoms than hyperactive ones, which means they are less likely to be diagnosed.
If a doctor suspects your child may have ADHD, they will inquire about their daily routine and activities as well as how they perform at school or work. They will also discuss the situation with your child's teachers and colleagues, and may request interviews or records. Your doctor may also suggest an array of tests that look at how the brain functions, such as continuous performance tests or single-photon emission computed tomography scans.
Medication
The most effective method of treatment is a combination of therapy and medication. The medications aid children in focusing and slow down as they learn self-control. Certain of these drugs have also been proven to reduce depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder symptoms. Parents, teachers, and coaches can all play a role in helping children to manage their ADHD. They can provide structure and support and encourage positive behavior. They should also avoid stressful situations, keep lines of communication open with schools and monitor how the child responds to specific stimuli.
Kids with inattentive or impulsive symptoms may need to be evaluated by a pediatrician, a specialist known as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician or a child psychologist. A thorough physical exam that includes ear and eye tests, should be carried out by a physician. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment will include clinical interviews, behavior rating scales and symptoms checklists. Educational and psychological tests are also often used to measure intelligence and learning abilities, and to rule out any other medical conditions.
Certain psychiatric disorders mimic the symptoms ADHD, including anxiety, mood disorders learning disabilities, and head injuries. Other conditions include thyroid problems, substance abuse and head trauma. The severity and the presence of these disorders must be taken into account when making the diagnosis.
Researchers have identified various subtypes of ADHD. The most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) contains nine core ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, that affect the normal functioning of a person. A doctor must assess at minimum six of these symptoms for the diagnosis. These symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12.
The most popular treatment option for people who suffer from ADHD. what is an adhd assessment are able to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain that control attention and activity. While many people, both adults and kids get benefit from medications but it isn't an effective cure. Some people need to try several medications before settling on one that works for them.
Counseling and other psychiatric treatments can be beneficial for adults. They can help adults develop strategies for coping as well as improve their relationships with family members, and develop their problem-solving capabilities. They can also help adults to find ways to handle their struggles at work or in their private lives.
Treatment Options
Being diagnosed with ADHD can have profound implications for adults and children. It can help relieve the guilt and shame associated with the condition and give people a new sense of purpose and hope. It can also aid others in understanding the struggle a person is going through, which could lead them to offer more understanding and support.
To begin the evaluation it is important to locate an expert in health care who has the experience of diagnosing ADHD. This could include the primary health care provider, pediatrician or child psychiatrist. A doctor will perform physical examinations and review your medical history to rule out any other medical conditions which could trigger symptoms that resemble ADHD or thyroid issues or sleep disorders.
The doctor will then ask you or your child questions about symptoms and how they affect the daily routine. For instance the doctor will inquire about work and school performance, and how they deal with social situations. The doctor will also inquire if the symptoms started in the early years of childhood. The doctor will use a rating scale to evaluate the symptoms, and ensure that they meet standardized criteria. For children, to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have at least six established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past six months.
Psychological, neuropsychological or learning disability tests can be utilized in conjunction with the ratings scales and other tests to provide more specific information about how the symptoms affect the person's life. These tests can also be used to identify other mental disorders that are frequently associated with ADHD like anxiety and depression.
It is also possible to get an ADHD assessment via telehealth, which makes easier to attend appointments and reduces barriers that could hinder attendance, like illness, bad weather or difficulty in commuting. This can be especially helpful for those living in England who are being screened through the NHS 'Right to Choose' route, since it means you can get an assessment much sooner than if you were waiting for a waitlist with your local NHS trust.