ADHD Assessment at Cardiff General Hospital
We have continued to provide an efficient service to our patients despite the COVID-19 epidemic. We have developed new standardised clinical pathways in adult ADHD assessment. This includes the introduction of the Qb Test as a screening tool for ADHD.
Medical professionals may have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD appears like. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on everyday life. It can be used as a tool to identify the cause of the symptoms and to determine the most effective treatment. get adhd assessment may include medication, behavioural therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The goal is to decrease the hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive symptoms of the disorder and improve the patients' attitudes towards and abilities to manage their daily lives. This can also help reduce the stress caused by symptoms and enable them to reach their full potential.
The process begins with an initial interview with an expert psychologist or psychiatrist who has training and experience in diagnosing ADHD. They will request specific details about your symptoms, along with your medical history and family history. They will also review your work and social life to determine any factors that could be contributing to your symptoms.
In addition to the patient interview, many doctors will utilize rating scales and questionnaires to ensure that they are gathering standardized data. This could include parent-teacher interviews and rating scales like the Vanderbilt and Conners indexes for children. For adults, these will be more in-depth and can involve an entire psychiatric assessment.
During an interview, the doctor will ask you to describe when your symptoms first started and how they affect your 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. Adults must have this happen in at least two different settings and interfere with their daily activities.
The doctor will also examine your medical history and will be looking for any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like a thyroid condition or head injury. They will also examine your past school records, to determine if the symptoms began before age 12. In some instances they may ask for information from those who know you, like relatives or friends. They can also ask you to read any reports written by you like school or work progress notes.
What are the signs of ADHD?
ADHD is a mental health disorder that causes issues in paying attention to the task at hand, staying focused and organized. It is also called attention deficit disorder (ADHD). It can cause problems at school, at work and in relationships. It can also make it difficult to deal with anxiety and depression. There are a variety of things that can trigger ADHD, including genetics, issues with the central nervous system during pregnancy or birth, head injuries, substance use, and certain medications.
Children must display at least six signs or traits that persist over time and cause significant problems in order to be identified as ADHD. These include fidgeting or squirming in their seats or leaving their seat even when they are supposed to remain seated, having trouble playing or taking part in leisure activities at a secluded pace frequently forgetting things and making careless mistakes. Children who are agitated and impulsive also be trouble waiting for their turn to play, interrupt conversations or games or even utter a few words without being asked.
Adults diagnosed as ADHD must only show five out of nine symptoms in the last six months. During an examination, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also conduct an examination of you and conduct psychological tests. They may also examine your employment and school documents, as well as your previous history of alcohol or drug use and any mental health issues in your family.
The doctor will attempt to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like mood disorders, learning disabilities or thyroid problems. They will also check if you've suffered any head injuries or other medical problems that can influence ADHD symptoms, such as seizures. It is important to inform your doctor about any family history of ADHD or any other mental health issues that are in your family. It's important to bring any relevant documents like performance evaluations from your workplace or old report cards with you to your appointment.
What are the treatment options available for ADHD?
Treatment options include psychological, educational and behavioral. Most people with ADHD receive some combination of these treatments, and the most effective results are achieved when a multidisciplinary approach is used. Treatment includes teaching parents how to manage behavior and provide an environment for their children to be in as well as educating teachers to recognize symptoms of ADHD in children and encourage more behavioural responses in the classroom. Counseling is also a component of the treatment plan, including family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relationship or marital counseling.
The first step to treatment is a thorough assessment. This looks at a person's present and in the case of an adult, their past health problems, mood, and history of ADHD symptoms. It also seeks feedback from friends and relatives, colleagues at work, and teachers.
Some adults might not meet the criteria for a diagnosis and there are many illnesses and conditions that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Your physician will review the symptoms against the criteria and suggest further examination by psychiatrists or paediatricians.
There are a variety of medications that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, including stimulants. Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed drug is a stimulant that increases brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. It is available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses taken twice to three times daily) or as modified-release tablets that are released throughout the day. Both types can help improve concentration and focus. It is recommended to only take them as directed by your doctor.
Most people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. These may need to be treated in addition to the ADHD, or they may complicate the use of medication for ADHD. If your child or you is being treated for a coexisting condition the treatment for that condition will be integrated with the treatment of ADHD.
Many people with ADHD benefit from talk therapy, including family and individual psychological counseling (psychotherapy). Through this type of counseling you will be able to understand how your ADHD impacts you or your child, and develop strategies to cope with the challenges.
How can I get an ADHD assessment?
Talk with your GP If you suspect 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 be required to complete some pre-screening questionnaires prior to your appointment with your psychiatrist. This will ensure that your consultation is kept on schedule and that the process of diagnosing you doesn't get delayed. It is important that you complete these forms as quickly as possible before the meeting so that your psychiatrist can look over them before the consultation starts.
The expert will then interview you, your child and any other adults that spend a lot time with your child or you. This could include babysitters, teachers and coaches as well as other family members. Your doctor will also inquire about your or the child's symptoms, the history of your child, and their the way of life.
It is crucial to be honest and open during the interview so that your specialist can be aware of all the issues and problems you are experiencing. It is not uncommon for people to have other mental disorders, in addition to ADHD. Your specialist will want to confirm that you don't have any other disorders.
After the interview and questionnaires are completed, the specialist will prepare a comprehensive report of their findings. The report will be delivered to your GP, along with copies for you and your child. You can pay extra to have your specialist provide letters of recommendation for workplaces or schools.
Some adults may find it difficult to be diagnosed with ADHD because of the stigma and misconceptions surrounding the disorder. Because of this, it is important to find a professional who is experienced in diagnosing adults with ADHD and who will help you get the treatment you need. You may also consider contacting an ADHD support group or asking for suggestions from others who have received diagnoses of ADHD.