ADHD Assessments in England
There are many options available to patients in England for obtaining an ADHD assessment. The NHS Right to Choose pathway provides faster access to mental health professionals and could make the difference between a few months or years waiting for the diagnosis.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires at least six symptoms that first appeared before the age of 12 years old. Your doctor will interview both you and any other family members close to you, such as parents or spouses in the case of adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you or your child suspects they have ADHD it is recommended to consult an expert who is able to diagnose and assess the disorder. Get referrals from family doctors, therapists or friends who you trust, and then choose one who is specialized in ADHD assessment. A qualified professional can help you understand what is going on, and how to alter your behavior.
A clinical interview is the initial step in an ADHD assessment. The specialist will ask you about your medical history and how you describe the symptoms you are experiencing. They'll also want to find out if any of your relatives have been diagnosed with the disorder, since ADHD is often a family issue.
They'll also want to know if you have any other conditions or problems that might resemble ADHD and coexist with it, for example depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. They will also conduct physical examinations, which include a hearing and vision test, to rule any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The physician will ask you to rate the severity of your ADHD symptoms by using a rating system that was developed for the age group you are in. This is the CAARS: S (children’s version) or CAARS O (observer’s version). The scores are based on the behavior of your child or you over time, and includes questions about how you react to different situations and activities.
They may also interview people close to you such as your spouse, family members as well as coaches or teachers. It is important to understand what your child's behavior is in different environments, since it can be quite different. They can also take cognitive tests to see how you process information and determine what your intelligence level is.
The doctor will then blend all the information from different sources to determine whether you or your child has ADHD. They will write a summary or report for you and your doctor and will discuss treatment options, if necessary.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of ADHD can be overwhelming initially. There are many steps to take, however, there are ways to improve the efficiency of the process. Start by finding a health care professional who is specialized in ADHD. You can locate a professional through your child's teacher, your insurance company or an association for mental health in your area or a non-profit organization that assists children and adults with ADHD.
A doctor will start with a clinical interview to gather information about your child or you and will then use rating scales and other sources of information to ensure that you or your child is in line with the standardized criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. This information includes the symptom reports of family teachers, friends, and family members, along with your child's or your child's performance at home and at school. Your doctor will also take into the medical history of a person and conduct a physical or neuropsychological examination to detect any comorbid problems, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders or intellectual disabilities that may be similar 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 begun before the age of 12. The symptoms of the disorder must be the cause and not another disorder like depression or an anxiety disorder.
Although many health professionals believe that boys and children born males are more likely than girls or females born (AFAB) to develop ADHD however, the disorder affects all sexes equally. In reality children and girls AFAB often display more inattentive symptoms than hyperactive ones, so they are less likely to be diagnosed.
If your doctor suspects your child may have ADHD, he or she will inquire about your child's daily routine, activities, and how they perform at school or at work. They will also talk to your child's teachers and colleagues and may ask for interview notes or records. Your doctor might also suggest several tests to examine the brain's functions like single-photon emission computed Tomography scan or a continuous performance test.
Medication
The most effective treatment is a combination of therapy and medication. The medications help children focus as they slow down and learn self-control. Certain of these medications have also shown to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Parents, teachers and coaches can also play an important role in helping children manage their ADHD. They can provide structure and support and encourage positive behavior. They should also avoid stressful situations and ensure that communication with schools is open.
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. They should also see a doctor for a complete physical, which includes hearing and eye tests. A complete psychiatric examination will include clinical interviews, behavior ratings scales, and checklists of symptoms. Psychological and educational tests are also frequently used to assess intelligence and learning abilities, and to rule out any other medical issues.
There are a few psychiatric conditions that mimic the symptoms of ADHD like mood disorders and anxiety, head injuries, learning disabilities, thyroid problems alcohol abuse, and head trauma (Austerman 2015). The severity and the presence of these conditions need to be taken into account when making the diagnosis.
Researchers have identified different subtypes for ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version V, lists nine core ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity that hinder a person's normal functioning. A doctor must evaluate at minimum six of these symptoms for the diagnosis. These symptoms must have appeared before the age of 12.
The most commonly used treatment option for people with ADHD. They can increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain that regulate attention and activity. While medications can be beneficial for children and adults, it's not an effective cure. Some people may need to test several medications before settling on one that is effective for them.
Counseling and other psychiatric treatments can be beneficial for adults. They can help teach coping strategies as well as improve family relationships and develop problem-solving abilities. They can assist adults in dealing with problems at work or at home.
Treatment Options
Being diagnosed with ADHD can have profound implications for adults and children. It can help alleviate the guilt and shame associated with the condition, and give people a new feeling of purpose and optimism. It can also help others understand the struggles a person goes though, which can help them offer more understanding and support.
It's important to start the process by locating an expert in health care who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD. This can include the primary health care provider or pediatrician, or a child psychiatrist. A doctor will perform physical examinations and review your medical history to eliminate any other health conditions which could trigger symptoms similar to ADHD and thyroid problems or sleeping disorders.
The doctor will then ask you or your child about symptoms and how they impact the daily routine. For instance the doctor will inquire about school and work performance, as well as how they deal with social situations. The doctor will also inquire whether the symptoms began in the early years of childhood. The doctor will use a rating scale to determine the symptoms and verify that they are in line with the 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.
In addition to rating scales and other tests, psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disability testing may be used to give more information about the symptoms' impact on the person's life. get assessed for adhd can also help to identify other mental health issues that often coexist with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
Telehealth can also be used to receive an ADHD assessment. This makes it easier for people to make appointments and eliminates obstacles that could prevent them from attending due to health issues, poor conditions, or transportation issues. This is particularly beneficial for those living in England who are undergoing screening through the NHS Right to Choose" pathway, since you will be able to get an assessment earlier than if you wait on an NHS trust list.