CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or young person has issues, they may be directed to CAMHS to conduct an ADHD assessment. They will usually be asked to bring with them their parent(s)/guardian(s) and a teacher who knows them well.
Parents and caregivers interviewed in response to COVID-19 emphasized the benefits of remote appointments, but also suggested that meetings in person are preferable during assessments.
Signs and symptoms
If you have ADHD your child or teenager may have trouble sitting still and forgetting things, unable to fall asleep, and getting easily distracted by external stimuli. They might also have difficulty staying on top of tasks and activities at school or at home, struggle to make sense of information and may find it difficult to follow directions. They might lose things and have trouble finishing assignments or homework and have trouble keeping appointments. They may injure themselves or others if not cautious. They might have difficulties in relationships, and find it difficult to find an employment or job, and have a difficult time getting along with their family.
Some kids and teens with ADHD are impulsive. They may fidget or tap their fingers, struggle to wait for their turn in their activities, or be unable to stop talking. They may not be able to hear what other people say and might be more likely to take risks like taking drugs or having dangerous sexual interactions. Many adults with ADHD also have problems with their emotions and can be angry, frustrated or angry easily. They may also be overly sensitive or feel like others are judging them.
The symptoms of ADHD are different for everyone and they change as an individual gets older. They can affect people of any race, gender or background. ADHD can be treated by medication. It is important to know that medication cannot eliminate all symptoms of the disorder, and it can cause side effects.
The first step in receiving help for ADHD is to seek an assessment for ADHD with a camhs. This is usually completed by contacting your GP to schedule an appointment. They may recommend you to a mental health service for an ADHD specialist assessment.
The ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team worked with the City and Hackney ADHD team to speed up their assessment process. The result was that the average waiting time from referral to assessment feedback was reduced to less than 12 weeks. This is in the range of the trust's goal.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition that can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy or education. It can be a challenge for parents and children to understand the disorder however there is a lot of help available. Talk to your GP when you or your child displays symptoms of ADHD. They can refer you to a specialist CAMHS who will examine and determine if your child is suffering from ADHD.
If your child is referred to an CAMHS ADHD assessment service, they will usually be seen by one or two members of the team. They will also request feedback from the child and their parent(s) or carer(s) as well as a teacher that knows them well. The team will use standardised assessment methods and detailed history taking to evaluate your child's difficulties. They will also distribute Conners questionnaires for the child as well as their parent(s) or guardian(s) and a teacher that knows the young person well to complete before the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team may then decide that your child needs additional tests and will refer them to an expert clinical psychologist. The psychologist will conduct a variety of tests to determine how your child handles their emotions and behavior in various situations. They will examine the ways your child behaves in a variety of situations, such as at the home, school and public spaces.
During the assessment the doctor will speak to you and your child about what they have found out. The doctor will then make an assessment, and then discuss the options for treatment with you. The use of medication is frequently used to treat people suffering from ADHD however, it will not remove all of the symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into multiple pathways. The "ADHD assessment pathway" is within the Neurodevelopmental Assessment pathway. Some adolescents and children will be assessed for ADHD through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS path. This is because their cognitive abilities are higher and their difficulties more complex than the other children and adolescents who use CAMHS. The 'ID CAMHS' page on this website provides more information about this pathway.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialist assistance to children and adolescents suffering from ADHD through a local support service. are adhd assessments covered by insurance could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or nurses. You'll be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also speak to your teachers, parents, or other caregivers. They could decide to treat you with a medication or suggest other treatment options instead. The NHS website has information on treatments and what you can expect.
A recent report2 highlighted the issue of long waiting times for CAMHS services. The wait times for the evaluation of ADHD are particularly long, even when the care is of a high standard. Local plans and guidelines3 as well as national guidelines3 for transformation4 emphasize the importance of early identification and evaluation of children and adolescents suffering from ADHD. However, there are no explicit guidelines for how long they should wait.
This project was designed to cut down on the time it takes for the ADHD assessment. This was accomplished by using a simple tool for data collection and embedding it in the clinical system. The average number of weeks between the date the referral was made to the date the ADHD assessment feedback was provided has been decreased. The QI team would also like to thank City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD for their commitment and dedication throughout this project.
If the medication is prescribed the doctor will discuss the options with you and your family. There are a variety of medications that can treat ADHD. However they all have different adverse effects. It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects of any treatment.
There are many non-pharmacological treatments that can aid in the reduction of ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programmes as well as behaviour therapy and psychological therapies. Group or individual sessions are available. Apps that aid in organizing and planning could be beneficial to someone suffering from ADHD.
The project involved twelve people who were recently referred to the CAMHS ADHD pathway within the local Trust. Interviews were semi-structured and took place via phone. Participants were recruited via an intentional sampling technique. This method was chosen because it is believed to be more ethical than a randomised controlled study that is typically used in a research study.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful for parents and young people, as the symptoms can be misinterpreted and seen as bad behaviour. Mental health services, as along with charitable and non-profit organizations can provide support. It's important that families have a clear idea of what is expected during the process of assessment. CAMHS has provided guidance on the subject, which is available by clicking on the links below.
CAMHS offers a range of treatments for ADHD including medications and lifestyle modifications. It is crucial to choose the right medication for your child since every person reacts differently to medication. A CAMHS assessment can include discussions with a doctor or nurse and can involve a variety of tests like brain scans and blood tests.
The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently completed a project to improve the quality of service and reduce waiting times. The team met with service users throughout the assessment process and they identified the main issues that influenced the design of the pathway. For example, service users were of the opinion that the assessment was too long and there was not enough support the post-assessment. They also would like to see more specific support for families and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Following the QI project, the wait time from referral to ADHD evaluation have been reduced significantly. This is in line with trust-level targets and is a reflection of the focus on improving efficiency and capacity across the CAMHS system. The team used the model of change and Plan-Do–Study–Act cycles to effect positive changes in the ADHD pathway.
A diagnosis of ADHD could also assist you to get an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP will permit your school to provide additional support for your child, such as medication or training courses. Our CAMHS ADHD clinic will provide support and advice for children suffering from ADHD.