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get redirected here at Cardiff General Hospital We have continued to provide an effective service to our patients despite the COVID-19 outbreak and have developed new standardised procedures for adult ADHD assessment. This includes the introduction of Qb Test as an ADHD screening tool. It is possible that medical professionals have preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD will look like. It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment. What is ADHD assessment? An ADHD assessment is a thorough review of the symptoms and how they affect everyday life. It can be used to identify whether the condition is causing the symptoms, and also to determine the best path for treatment. This can include medication, behavioural therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The aim is to reduce the hyperactive, inattentive and impulse-driven symptoms of the disorder and to improve the patients' attitudes towards and capabilities to manage their day to day lives. This can also help reduce the distress caused by symptoms and allow them to reach their full potential. The process begins with an initial interview with an expert psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise and training in diagnosing ADHD. They will ask you for specific details regarding your symptoms as well as details about your family history and your medical records. They will also review your social and work environments to determine if there are any other factors that might be contributing to the symptoms. Many doctors use questionnaires and ratings scales in addition to interviews with the patient to ensure they are collecting standard information. These include parent-teacher meetings and rating scales like the Vanderbilt and Conners indexes for children. Adults will receive an even more thorough interview which could include a complete mental health evaluation. During the interview during the interview, a doctor will attempt to determine the date when your symptoms first began to manifest, and what impact they have on 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. For adults, this should occur in two or more settings and interfere with the normal flow of daily functioning. The doctor will also examine your medical history and will want to check for any other conditions that could cause the symptoms, like thyroid disease or head injury. They will also check your old school records to see if the symptoms started before turning 12. In some instances, they might seek information from someone you know, such as friends or family. They might also request to review any written reports such as notes from your school or work progress. What are the symptoms of ADHD? ADHD is a mental health disorder that causes issues with attention to the task at hand, staying focused and organised. It is sometimes called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can cause problems at school, work and in relationships. It can also make it difficult to deal with anxiety and depression. ADHD can be caused by a range of causes that include genetics. Children must display at least six of the symptoms or traits that persist over time and cause significant issues in order to be diagnosed as ADHD. Fidgeting, squirming, or stepping out of their seats when they are supposed to be sitting are all signs of ADHD. Other signs include ignoring things and making erroneous mistakes. Children who are agitated and impulsive can also be unable to wait for their turn to play, interrupt conversations or games or utter answers without being asked. Adults diagnosed with ADHD have to meet the criteria for ADHD at a lower level that is, they need to have five out of nine symptoms in the last six months. During an evaluation, the doctor asks you about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will also conduct an examination of you and do psychological tests. They might also check your work and school documents, as well as your past history of drug and alcohol consumption, and any mental health issues in your family. The doctor will attempt to determine if there are other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, including learning disabilities, mood disorders or thyroid issues. They will also check if you have had any head injuries or other medical conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms like seizures. Inform your doctor if have an extended family history of ADHD, or any other mental health issues. It's also a good idea to bring any relevant records, such as 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 behavioral, educational and psychosocial. The majority of people suffering from ADHD receive a mix of these therapies, and the most successful results occur when an approach that is multidisciplinary is employed. Treatment involves training parents on how to manage the behavior of their children and providing structure at home, as well as training teachers to spot signs of ADHD in children and encourage more behavioral responses in the classroom. Counseling can also be part of the treatment, such as family therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. It may also include marital counseling or relationship counseling. The first step in treatment is to conduct a thorough evaluation. The evaluation will look at the person's present and, if they are an adult, past health issues, mood and history of ADHD symptoms. It also solicits feedback from friends, relatives as well as colleagues at work and teachers. Certain adults may not meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and there are many diseases and conditions that could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD. Your doctor will evaluate the symptoms to the criteria, and might refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician to conduct a further evaluation. Stimulants are one of the drugs that may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Methylphenidate, the most commonly prescribed medication, works by increasing brain activity in areas that control behavior and attention. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are small doses that are taken two or three times daily. Also, it is modified-release tablets, which release the medication throughout the day. Both types can aid in improving concentration and focus. They should be taken as recommended by your physician. Most people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental health problems like anxiety or depression. These may need to be treated in addition to the ADHD or interfere with the use of medications for ADHD. If you or your children are being treated for co-existing disorders, the treatment will be integrated into the treatment of ADHD. Many people with ADHD benefit from therapy for talking, such as family and individual psychotherapy (psychotherapy). In this type of therapy you will be able to better understand the way your ADHD affects you or your child, and devise strategies to overcome the challenges. How can I get an ADHD assessment? Talk to your GP If you suspect you or your child suffers from ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for a specialist ADHD evaluation. If you are attending your appointment, be sure to have an ID photo with you. You will also be required to fill out a pre-screening questionnaire prior to meeting with your psychiatrist. This is so that the consultation can be held to a certain duration, which will help to ensure that the process of diagnosing doesn't get delayed. It is essential that you complete these forms as soon as you can prior to the appointment so that your psychiatrist can review them before the consultation starts. The expert will then speak with you, your child and any other adults who spend a lot time with your child or with you. This may include teachers, babysitters, coaches, and other family members. Your specialist will also inquire about your your child's symptoms, the history of your child, and their the way of life. It is important to be honest and open during the interview to ensure your doctor can understand all issues and problems that you are experiencing. It is not unusual for people to suffer from other mental health issues in addition to ADHD, and so your doctor will also need to ensure whether you have any other issues. After the interview and questionnaires are completed, your specialist will write an extensive report on their findings. The report will be delivered directly to your GP along with copies for you and your child. If you'd like your doctor to send recommendations to workplaces or schools at an additional fee. It can be difficult for certain adults to recognize ADHD because of the stigma and misinformation that surrounds the disorder. It is important to find an expert who has expertise in diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD, and who will collaborate with you to get the treatment that you require. You can also reach out to an ADHD support group or ask for recommendations from individuals who have been diagnosed with ADHD.