CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or young person is struggling, they could be sent 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.
In response to COVID-19 interview responses from parents/caregivers highlighted the benefits of remote appointments but also that face-to-face appointments are preferred during assessments.
Symptoms
If you suffer from ADHD your child or teenager may struggle to remain focused or concentrating, snagging things, having trouble falling asleep, and getting easily distracted by external stimuli. They may also be unable to keep up with tasks or activities at home or in school or at home, struggle to comprehend information and may find it difficult to follow directions. They might lose things, have trouble completing homework or assignments and may have trouble keeping appointments. If they're not careful, they might cause harm to themselves or others. They might have a hard relationship, and have trouble finding jobs or work, and might find it difficult to connect with their family members.
Many children and young adults with ADHD are also impulsive. They might play with their hands, tap their fingers or struggle to wait their turn. They might not listen to the opinions of others and might be more likely to take risks like drinking or engaging in risky sexual activities. Certain people with ADHD suffer from emotional issues and can easily become irritable or even angry. They might also be excessively sensitive or feel that other people are criticizing them.
The symptoms of ADHD differ for each person and they can change as an individual gets older. They can affect people of any age, gender, or background. ADHD is treatable with medication. It is essential to be aware that medication does not eliminate all the symptoms of the disorder, and may cause adverse side effects.
The first step towards seeking help for ADHD is to have an assessment for ADHD with a camhs. It is usually completed by contacting your GP to make an appointment. They could refer you to a mental health service to conduct an ADHD specialist assessment.
ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team worked with City and Hackney ADHD team to improve the timeliness of their assessment process. As a result, the average time between referral to assessment feedback was reduced to less than 12 weeks. This is in line with the trust's target.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition and can be treated with medications, behavioural therapy, or education. Parents and children may find it difficult to understand however, there are plenty of resources available. Talk to your GP if you or your child displays symptoms of ADHD. They can refer you to an expert CAMHS team who will assess your child's condition and make a diagnosis.
If your child was referred to CAMHS ADHD Assessment Service, they will be seen by at least one of the team members. They will also ask the child's parents or caregivers, and a teacher who is familiar with the child well to provide feedback. The team will use standardised assessment methods and detailed history taking to determine your child's challenges. They will also distribute Conners questionnaires to the child as well as their parent(s) or guardian(s) and an educator who knows the child well to complete before the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team will then determine that your child requires further tests and they will refer them to a clinical psychologist. The psychologist will use different tests to determine how your child handles emotions and behaves in different situations. They will examine the ways your child behaves in a range of different settings, including the home, school and public spaces.
During the exam, the clinician will talk to you and your child about what they've discovered. The doctor will then make an assessment, and then discuss the options for treatment with you. People with ADHD are often treated with medication, but it does not eliminate all symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into different pathways and the "ADHD assessment pathway" falls within the Neurodevelopmental Assessment pathway. Some adolescents and children are assessed for ADHD through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS path. This is because their cognitive capabilities are higher and their difficulties more complicated than other children and teens who use CAMHS. The page 'ID CAMHS' on this website provides more details about this route.
Treatment
The NHS offers specialized assistance for children and young people with ADHD through an in-person service within your region. This could include a psychiatrist, a psychologist or a nurse. They'll ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your life. They could also speak with your parents, teachers, or other caregivers. They may decide to prescribe medication or suggest alternative treatments. The NHS website provides information on treatments and what to expect.
Recent reports have highlighted the issue of long wait times for CAMHS services. Even with the best services waiting times for ADHD assessments can be very long. Local plans and guidelines3 as well as national guidelines3 for transformation4 stress the importance of early detection and evaluation of adolescents and children with ADHD. However there aren't any explicit guidelines on 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 instrument for data collection and embedding it into the clinical system. The average time between the time the referral was made and the time the ADHD assessment feedback was provided has been reduced. The QI team would like to express our gratitude to the City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD team for their dedication and hard work throughout this project.
If the medication is prescribed by a specialist, they will discuss the options with you and your family. There are a variety of medications which can treat ADHD. However, they all have different effects. It is crucial to know what to expect from any treatment.
There are many non-pharmacological treatment options that can aid in the reduction of ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programmes as well as behaviour therapy and psychological treatments. Group or individual sessions are available. Someone with ADHD may also find it helpful to use organisation and planning apps.
The project involved 12 participants who were recently referred to the CAMHS ADHD route within a local Trust. visit the following internet page were semi-structured and conducted via phone. Participants were selected through a targeted sample method. This was chosen because it is thought to be more ethical than a controlled trial that is randomised that is typically employed in research studies.
Support
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience for both parents and children as the symptoms are often misinterpreted or viewed as undesirable behavior. Mental health services, as along with charitable and non-profit organizations can provide assistance. It is crucial that families are aware of what to expect from the assessment process. CAMHS have produced guidance on this and this can be found in the links below.
CAMHS also provide a variety of different treatment options for ADHD which include medications and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to choose the right medication for your child as each person responds differently to different medications. A CAMHS assessment may include discussions with a nurse or doctor and can involve a variety of tests, including brain scans and blood tests.
The City and Hackney ADHD team recently completed a quality improvement project to cut down on waiting times and increase user satisfaction. The team conducted a survey of service users during the assessment process and identified key themes which helped inform improvements to the path. Service users, for instance, felt that the assessment was too lengthy and they felt that there was not enough post-assessment support. Additionally they would like to see more targeted support for families and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Following the QI project, the wait times from initial referral to ADHD assessment have decreased dramatically. This is in line the targets for trust-levels, and shows a focus on improving efficiency and capabilities across the CAMHS System. The team employed a model for change and Plan-Do-Study -Act cycles to drive positive change within the ADHD process.
A diagnosis of ADHD may also help you obtain an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP will permit your school to provide additional assistance for your child, for example training or medication. Our CAMHS ADHD clinic will provide assistance and support to children with ADHD.