CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child has significant problems, you might be recommended to CAMHS. It is essential that the professional who refers your child provides as much detail about the issues they are experiencing as they can.
A quality improvement (QI) project was implemented to reduce ADHD assessment wait times. This was accomplished by using Plan-Do-Study Act cycles.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both the nervous and brain systems. It can cause problems with paying attention, controlling emotions, and staying in control. People with ADHD also have difficulty thinking clearly, making decisions and learning in school. They may be impulsive, talkative, fidgety, or excessively active. The symptoms can be noticed early in life and can cause problems at school, work and home.
To be diagnosed as having ADHD, symptoms must be present and persistent for at minimum six months. They should be unable to function in multiple settings, like at school, home and social situations. They must have trouble with their behavior, which could be disruptive to their family and friends.
People with ADHD can often learn how to manage their symptoms with psychosocial treatment and adaptation strategies. Treatment options include medication therapy and lifestyle changes. Treatments must be individualized to every person and should be safe during breastfeeding or pregnancy. It is essential to consult a medical professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. A psychiatrist or a doctor provider will examine your child's symptoms, ask questions about your child's history and education and give you a diagnosis.
ADHD can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics and environment. It is also possible that the disorder is caused by nutritional deficiencies or problems with the central nervous system during crucial moments in development. Some experts believe that diet and certain foods like refined sugar may increase the risk of ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age but tend to worsen as an individual approaches adulthood. The coping strategies that are in place may be ineffective due to the demands of a new job, more responsibility, and changes in routine. As they age, those with ADHD might have a harder time to control their own behavior since their brains have been altered neurobiologically.
The symptoms of ADHD are often missed by teachers and parents, who often use outdated stereotypes that claim that only boys and children are affected by ADHD. This misperception is among the reasons that girls and adults AFAB receive less attention or treatment. Fortunately, this trend is changing as more professionals and people are aware of the condition.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms are more common in children, but they can also persist throughout adulthood. These symptoms can impact work, school and relationships. These symptoms can include difficulties paying attention, inability to finish tasks and easily becoming distracted. Control of impulses and self-control can be affected. In some cases, those with ADHD do not realise they have a problem and do not realize there are ways to manage their symptoms.
A mental health professional will examine the person to determine if they have ADHD. This involves examining the history of a person's struggles with learning and behavior. Interviewing relatives, friends and teachers can be part of the process. The mental health professional may also use the standard rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether the person has the characteristics for the disorder. Other evaluations may include psychological tests to assess working memory, spatial and visual thinking, as well as executive function.
People with ADHD are often unable to remain still for long periods of time, and may have difficulty engaging in leisure activities or playing at a secluded location. They can talk too much or interrupt others, and have trouble waiting to be the first to play in activities or games. People with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD have more trouble sitting still than people with the inattentive type. They tend to fidget and flit around and often blurt out answers before the question is completed.
Children suffering from ADHD often have a difficult to get along with their peers or forming friendships. Their impulsivity can lead to conflicts and arguments and they are likely to forget what they have been taught or lose things quickly. They might also have difficulty concentrating in school or be unable finish their homework.
CAMHS is a free NHS program that aids children, adolescents and young adults who have emotional, behavioural or developmental issues. The service offers psychiatrists and psychologists as well with therapists, nurses social workers, as well as social workers. They can assist in diagnosis and treatment including medication and family therapy. They also offer support groups and parenting support programs. People with ADHD can benefit from chatting with other people who have the same condition, as well as from being taught specific coping strategies and techniques to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
ADHD is an illness of the mind, and like any other condition, it can cause significant consequences for a person's life. It is possible to suffer from ADHD and have a pleasant and fulfilled life. However, it requires close surveillance and treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent them from affecting work or social situations. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require medication or seek out therapy in order to improve their life quality. In the United States, people who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to apply for accommodations at work or at school to ease their symptoms.
The report of the Children's Commissioner3 as well as other guidelines on CAMHS waiting times4 highlight the importance of assessing a child or young person as quickly as feasible, allowing them to access a healthcare package faster and more efficiently. However the NHS is not currently required to define waiting time expectations for mental health services.
This is why many parents and professionals are worried about the time it takes to complete a CAMHS ADHD assessment to be undertaken. It is essential to discuss with your GP, or the professional whom you are communicating with, the difficulties your child or teen is experiencing, as well as the impact they are having on the daily routine of your child or teenager and their academic, sleep, eating, and relationship problems. It is also important to provide as much detail as you can on how long the difficulties your child has experienced have lasted and how they've changed over time.
CAMHS has been working to improve the ADHD process and improve capacity. The "screening package," which is a standardised questionnaire for teachers and parents who know the child well is now available. The questionnaire is sent to all new referrals for ADHD to CAMHS and can be completed prior to their appointment for assessment. This has allowed for a more thorough and detailed assessment to be conducted, improving the likelihood of a diagnosis.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of certain symptoms over a long period of time. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5TR) is used by providers to determine if an adult suffers from ADHD. Anyone diagnosed with ADHD may be classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the severity of their symptoms and how they affect their lives.
Treatment
ADHD is treatable with behavioural therapy, medication or both. Behavioral therapy assists families and children learn new ways to deal with symptoms and change their behavior patterns. This may include changing how they respond to their ADHD symptoms, improving communication and using positive reinforcement instead of punishment. The use of medication can reduce ADHD symptoms, allowing those with ADHD to perform at a normal level at school or work and achieve success. It can also improve mood, reduce anxiety, and decrease depression. There are many different drugs available for ADHD that include stimulants and non-stimulants. In addition to these medicines, many people also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy and parent education.
CAMHS is the NHS service for children and young people with emotional, mental and behavioral issues. The service is offered by psychiatrists social workers, nurses psychologists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Home Page are able to diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. They may also recommend alternative treatment options, including education and therapy for families, occupational therapy, or hospitalization (inpatient care).
The QI project was carried out by LAR the clinical psychologist of the City and Hackney ADHD team with assistance from Improvement Advisor JS, ELFT. The research was commissioned to study the experiences of parents/caregivers that utilized the ADHD assessment method at COVID-19. All interview transcripts were manually transcribed and coded. The codes were then discussed at a meeting with the QI team and Commissioners to identify the major themes. The report outlines the themes and subthemes. This is the first time a qualitative approach to QI is used to study ADHD assessment waiting times. The findings of this study will be used to inform the development of future improvement initiatives within CAMHS. This could include a possible changing the way wait lists are managed, and ways to better support children and young people while they wait for an appointment. The results of this study will also be used to guide future commissioning and delivery in the UK of a service for children and adolescents with ADHD.