CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or adolescent experiences difficulties, they could be sent to undergo an ADHD assessment to CAMHS. They will usually be asked to bring with them their parent(s)/guardian(s) and a teacher who knows them well.
Parents and caregivers who were interviewed in response COVID-19 have highlighted the advantages of remote appointments, but also suggested that face-toface appointments would be preferable during assessments.
Symptoms
If you suffer from ADHD, your child or teen may struggle to remain focused and forgetting things, unable to fall asleep, and being easily distracted by external stimuli. They might also have difficulty trying to keep up with their tasks or activities at home or at school and have difficulty understanding information and are unable to follow instructions. They could lose their possessions, experience difficulties with their homework or assignments and also miss appointments. If they're not careful, they might harm themselves or others. They might have difficulties in relationships, find it difficult to find a job or work and have a difficult time being a good parent.
Many children and young adults with ADHD are also hyperactive. They might fumble or tap their fingers, struggle to wait for their turn in activities or be unable to stop talking. They may not listen to other people and be more likely to engage in risky activities like taking drugs or engaging in sexual activity that is risky. Certain adults with ADHD suffer from emotional issues and can easily become irritable or angry. They may also be overly sensitive or feel that others are judging them.
The symptoms of ADHD can differ from individual to individual and can change with age. They can affect people of any race, gender or background. ADHD can be treated with medication. It is important to know that medication cannot completely eliminate the symptoms of the disorder, and may cause adverse effects.
The first step to receiving help for ADHD is to get a camhs adhd evaluation. The most commonly used method for this is to go to your GP and request an appointment. They could recommend you to a mental clinic for an ADHD specialist assessment.
The ELFT's Quality Improvement team (QI) worked with City and Hackney ADHD teams to improve the timeliness and accuracy of their assessment process. The result was that the average waiting time from referral to feedback from the assessment was reduced to less than 12 weeks. This is in line the trust's goal.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition and can be treated through medication, behavioural therapy or education. It isn't easy for parents and children to understand the disorder however there is plenty of help available. If you think you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD consult a GP. They can refer you to a specialist CAMHS team who will examine your child and diagnose them.
If your child is being referred to a CAMHS ADHD assessment service they typically will be viewed by one or two members of the team. They will also request feedback from the child, their parent(s) or carer(s), and a teacher that is familiar with them. The team will use standard assessment methods and detailed history taking to assess your child's challenges. They will also distribute Conners questionnaires for the child, their parent(s) or guardian(s) and an educator who is familiar with the child to complete before the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team will then determine whether your child needs further testing and refer them to a psychologist who is a clinical. The psychologist will use various tests to see how your child manages their emotions and behavior in different situations. They will examine the behavior of your child in a variety of situations, such as at school, home and other public spaces.
During the examination your doctor will discuss with you and your child what they've discovered. They will then formulate a diagnosis and discuss the options for treatment with you. Patients with ADHD are often treated with medication, however it does not eliminate all symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into different pathways, and the "ADHD Assessment pathway" falls under the Neurodevelopmental assessment pathway. Some adolescents and children are assessed for ADHD through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS pathway. This is due to the fact that they have more cognitive ability and their challenges are more complex than the other children and young people who use CAMHS. This path is explained in greater detail on the "ID CAMHS" page on this website.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialized assistance to children and adolescents suffering from ADHD through a local service. This could include psychologists, psychiatrists or even a nurse. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also speak to your parents, teachers or other caregivers. They could decide to treat you with medication or suggest other treatments instead. The NHS website contains information on treatments and what you can expect.
A recent report2 focused on the issue of long waiting times for CAMHS services. The waiting times for assessment of ADHD are particularly long even with good quality care. While national guidelines3 as well as local transformation plans4 stress the importance of early detection of children and young adults with ADHD, and guidance on assessment has been developed but there is no specific guidelines on how long the child or young person should wait to see a doctor.
This project was developed to reduce the waiting time for the ADHD assessment. This was accomplished through a simple instrument for data collection and integration into the clinical system. The average time between the date the referral was made and the date the ADHD assessment feedback was given was decreased. The QI team would like to also thank City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD for their dedication and hardwork throughout the course of this project.
If a medication is prescribed by a specialist, they will discuss the options with you and your family members. There are a myriad of medicines that can be utilized to treat ADHD however, they all have different negative effects. It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects of any treatment.
There are a variety of non-pharmacological therapies that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programs such as behaviour therapy, and psychological therapies. Individual or group sessions are available. Apps that help with organizing and planning could be beneficial for those with ADHD.
The project involved twelve people who had been referred recently to the CAMHS ADHD pathway within the local Trust. The interviews were semi-structured and were conducted over the telephone. Participants were recruited through an intentional sampling technique. This method was chosen because it is considered more ethical than the randomised controlled trial approach that would normally be used in a research study.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be distressing for parents and young people as the signs and symptoms can be misinterpreted and seen as bad behaviour. Mental health services, as well as charities and organisations can offer support. It is essential that families are aware of what to expect during the assessment process. CAMHS has provided guidelines on the subject, which you can find by clicking the links below.
CAMHS also offer a number of different treatments for ADHD, including medication and lifestyle changes. It is essential to select the right medication for your child as every person reacts differently to medication. A CAMHS assessment will involve discussions with a doctor or nurse and could involve a variety of tests, including blood tests and brain scans, which can help identify possible causes for the symptoms.
The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently completed a project to improve the quality of service and reduce waiting time. The team conducted a survey of service users during the assessment process and identified the key issues that led to improvements to the process. For instance, service users, felt that the assessment was too lengthy and they did not receive enough support after the assessment. They also would like to see more targeted support for families and children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
After the QI project was launched the waiting times between initial referral and ADHD assessment were significantly reduced. This is in line with trust-level targets, and reflects a focus on improving efficiency and capabilities across the CAMHS System. getting an adhd assessment uk used the model of change and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to create positive change within the ADHD pathway.
A diagnosis of ADHD could also assist in getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for your child. The EHCP will permit your school to implement additional support for your child, such as medication or training courses. The school may also contact our CAMHS ADHD clinic for help and support sessions for children who have been given an ADHD diagnosis.