CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or teen has difficulties they may be referred 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 have ADHD, your child or teen might struggle to remain focused and forgetting things, having trouble falling asleep, and getting easily distracted by external stimuli. They might also have difficulty trying to keep up with tasks or activities at home or in school, have trouble understanding information and may find it difficult to follow instructions. They may lose their possessions, experience difficulties with their homework or assignments and miss appointments. They may end up hurting themselves or others if they are not vigilant. They might have difficulties in relationships, and find it difficult to get a job or work and have trouble making friends with their family.
Some children and young people with ADHD are also impulsive. They might fumble or tap their fingers, struggle to be the first to turn in their activities, or be in a state of constant conversation. They may not be able to hear the opinions of others and could be more inclined to take risks, such as taking drugs or having dangerous sexual activities. Some adults with ADHD suffer from emotional issues and are prone to becoming angry or frustrated. They might also be overly sensitive to criticism or believe that others are criticising them.
The symptoms of ADHD are different for everyone and they can change as an individual gets older. They can affect anyone regardless of gender, race or background. ADHD is a condition that is treated by medication. But it is important to be aware that treatment doesn't remove all the symptoms of the disorder, and may cause side effects.
An assessment of the camhs adhd is the first step in receiving help for ADHD. This is usually completed by contacting your GP for an appointment. They can recommend you to a mental clinic for an ADHD specialist assessment.
The ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team collaborated with the City and Hackney ADHD team to speed up their assessment process. In the end, the average waiting time from referral to assessment feedback was reduced to less than 12 weeks. This is in accordance with the trust's goals.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition and can be treated by medications, behavioural therapy, or education. It can be difficult for children and parents to comprehend the condition, but there is lots of support available. Talk to your GP when you or your child displays symptoms of ADHD. They may refer you to an expert CAMHS team that will evaluate your child's condition and make a diagnosis.
If your child has been recommended to CAMHS ADHD Assessment Service you will be visited by at least one of the team members. They will also ask the caregivers or parents of the child and a teacher who knows their child well to provide feedback. The team will use standard assessment methods and detailed history taking to determine your child's challenges. They will also send Conners questionnaires to the child as well as the parent(s) or guardian(s) and teachers who know the young person very well.
The CAMHS team will then decide whether your child needs additional testing and refer them to a psychologist who is a clinical. The psychologist will conduct various tests to assess how your child handles their emotions and behaviour in various situations. They will examine the ways your child behaves in a range of different situations, such as at the home, school and public spaces.
During the assessment the clinician will speak to you and your child about what they've discovered. They will then make a diagnosis and discuss the options for treatment with you. People with ADHD are often treated with medication, however it's not enough to eliminate all symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into various pathways and the "ADHD Assessment pathway" is part of the Neurodevelopmental assessment pathway. how do you get assessed for adhd and adolescents are assessed for ADHD through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS path. This is due to the fact that they have an elevated cognitive ability and their difficulties are more complex than those of other children and young people who are using CAMHS. This path is further explained on the 'ID CAMHS" page on this website.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialized help for children and young people with ADHD through local services in your region. This could include psychologists, psychiatrists, or even a nurse. They'll ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also ask your parents, teachers or other caregivers. They might decide to prescribe medication or suggest alternative treatments. The NHS website provides information on treatments and what you can expect.
A recent report2 focused on the issue of long waiting times for CAMHS services. Even with the best services waiting times for ADHD assessments are very long. Although national guidelines3 and local transformation plans4 emphasise the need for early identification of children and young people with ADHD and a guideline for assessment has been produced however there is no clear guidelines on how long an individual child or young adult should wait to see a doctor.
This quality improvement (QI) project was developed to cut down on waiting times for the ADHD assessment process. This was accomplished by using a simple tool for collecting data and integrating it into the clinical system. This has enabled the average number of weeks from the time of referral to the date of the ADHD assessment feedback to be cut down. The QI team would also like to thank City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD for their dedication and hardwork throughout the course of this project.
If the medication is prescribed by a specialist, they will discuss the options with you and your family members. There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD however they all have distinct negative effects. It is crucial to know what to expect from any treatment.
There are many non-pharmacological treatments that can help to improve ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programmes, behaviour therapy and psychological therapies. Individual or group sessions are available. Apps that help with organisation and planning may be helpful for someone with ADHD.
The project included 12 participants who had been recently been referred to the CAMHS ADHD route within the local Trust. Interviews were semi-structured and were conducted over the phone. Participants were recruited via a deliberate sampling method. This was chosen because it is believed to be more ethical than a randomised controlled trial, which would normally be employed in research studies.
Support
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience for both parents and children since the signs are often misunderstood or viewed as bad behavior. However, there is a wealth of resources available from mental health professionals, along with organizations and charities that can assist. It is important that families understand what to expect from the assessment process. CAMHS has provided guidelines on the subject which you can find by clicking on the hyperlinks below.
CAMHS offers a range of treatments for ADHD including medication and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to choose the right medication for your child, as everyone responds differently to medications. A CAMHS evaluation will involve discussions with a doctor or nurse and could involve a variety of tests, such as brain scans and blood tests that can help determine possible causes for the symptoms.
The City and Hackney ADHD team recently launched a quality improvement project to cut waiting times and increase customer satisfaction. The team met with service users throughout the assessment process and identified key themes that informed improvements to the pathway. Service users, for instance, felt that the assessment was too lengthy and they did not receive enough post-assessment assistance. Additionally they would like receive more specific support for families and children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
After the QI project was completed the waiting times between initial referral and ADHD evaluation were drastically reduced. This is in line with goals of trust and reflects the importance of improving efficiency and capabilities across the CAMHS System. The team employed the model of change and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to create positive changes within the ADHD process.
A diagnosis of ADHD could also assist in getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for your child. The EHCP will allow your school to put in place additional support for your child, such as medication or training courses. Our CAMHS ADHD clinic will provide assistance and support for children suffering from ADHD.