CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or adolescent experiences difficulties, they could be recommended for an ADHD evaluation to CAMHS. 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, parents' and caregivers' responses to the interview highlighted the benefits of remote appointments, while also stating that face-to–face appointments would be preferred during assessments.
Symptoms
If your child or young person you know is suffering from ADHD They may be unable to sit still, forget things, have trouble falling asleep, and are easily distracted by distractions. They might also have difficulty trying to keep up with tasks or activities at home or in school and have difficulty understanding information and may find it difficult to follow directions. They could lose their possessions, have difficulties completing assignments or homework and may miss appointments. They may end up hurting themselves or others if they are not vigilant. They may have difficulty in relationships, and find it difficult to get jobs or jobs, and have difficulty making friends with their family.
Some children and young people with ADHD are also hyperactive. They may be impulsive, fidget, or struggle to wait for their turn. They may not listen to others and be more likely to engage in risky behaviors like taking drugs or engaging in sexual activity that is risky. Some adults with ADHD also have issues with their emotions and can become irritable, frustrated or angry quickly. They might also be overly sensitive to criticism or feel that others are criticising them.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person and change as you get older. They can affect anyone regardless of gender, race or background. ADHD is getting an assessment for adhd that can be treated by medication. However, it is crucial to be aware that medication does not eliminate all the symptoms of the disorder and could cause adverse side adverse effects.
The first step to receiving help for ADHD is to seek an assessment of the severity of adhd in camhs. The most common way to do this is to visit your GP and ask them for an appointment. They might refer you to a mental health professional to conduct a specialist ADHD assessment.
ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team collaborated with the City and Hackney ADHD team to improve the timeliness of their assessment process. The average time between referral and feedback on assessment was reduced from 12 weeks to less than 12. This is in the range of the trust's goal.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical issue and can be treated by medications, behavioural therapy, or education. It isn't easy for children and parents to understand the disorder however there is a lot of help available. If you believe that you or your child may be suffering from symptoms of ADHD, speak to a GP. They may refer you to an expert CAMHS team that will evaluate your child's condition and make a diagnosis.
If your child is directed to a CAMHS ADHD assessment service they are usually seen by one or two members of the team. They will also solicit the caregivers or parents of the child, as well as a teacher who knows their child well to provide feedback. The team will use standard assessment techniques and detailed history taking to assess the child's needs. They will also distribute Conners questionnaires for the child, their parent(s) or guardian(s) as well as an educator who knows the young person well to complete before the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team will then decide whether your child needs additional tests and refer them to a clinical psychologist. The psychologist will conduct different tests to assess how your child handles their emotions and behavior in different situations. They will examine how your child behaves at home, in school as well as in public areas.
During the evaluation the doctor will talk with you and your child what they have discovered. The doctor will then make an assessment, and then discuss treatment options with you. The use of medication is frequently used to aid people suffering from ADHD however, it does not eliminate all their symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into various pathways and the 'ADHD Assessment pathway' falls under the Neurodevelopmental assessment pathway. However, some children and young people undergo their ADHD assessment done through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS pathway. This is due to their cognitive abilities are higher and their difficulties more complicated than other children and adolescents who use CAMHS. This pathway is described in more detail on the "ID of CAMHS" page of this website.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialist help for children and young people with ADHD through a local service in your area. This could include psychologists, psychiatrists or even a nurse. They may ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your life. They could also speak with your teachers, parents or other caregivers. They may decide to treat you with a medication or suggest alternative treatments instead. The NHS website has information on treatments and what you can expect.
A recent report2 focused on the issue of long waiting times for CAMHS services. The waiting times for evaluation of ADHD are particularly long even with high-quality care. While national guidelines3 as well as local transformation plans4 emphasise the importance of early identification of children and young adults with ADHD, and guidance on assessment has been produced but there is no specific guidelines on the length of time the child or young person should wait to see a doctor.
This project was designed to cut down on the time it takes for the ADHD assessment. This was accomplished through an easy tool for data collection and integrating it into the clinical system. This has enabled the average time from the time of referral until the date of the ADHD assessment feedback to be lowered. The QI team would like to express our gratitude to the City and the Hackney CAMHS ADHD team for their dedication and hard work during this project.
If a medication is prescribed by a specialist, they will discuss the options with you and your family. There are many medications that treat ADHD. However, they all have different effects. It is essential to know what to expect when you start any treatment.
There are a variety of non-pharmacological therapies that can aid in the reduction of ADHD symptoms. These can include psychological therapies, parenting programmes and behaviour therapy. Sessions for groups or individuals are available. Apps that aid in planning and organization could be helpful for someone with ADHD.
The project involved 12 participants who were recently referred to the CAMHS ADHD route within a local Trust. Interviews were semi-structured and were conducted via phone. Participants were recruited using a purposeful sampling technique. This method was chosen because it is believed to be more ethical than a randomised controlled trial that is normally employed in research studies.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be stressful for parents and young people because the signs can be misinterpreted and seen as bad behavior. Mental health services as along with charities and organizations can offer support. It is crucial that families have a clear idea of what to expect during the assessment process. CAMHS has produced guidance on the subject, which can be found by clicking on the links below.
CAMHS provides a range of treatments for ADHD including medication and lifestyle changes. It is essential to select the right medication for your child, as everyone responds differently to medications. A CAMHS assessment can include discussions with a nurse or doctor and can involve a variety of tests like brain scans and blood tests.
The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently launched a program to improve the quality of service and reduce waiting times. The team consulted customers during the assessment process and identified key themes which led to improvements to the process. For instance, some service users felt that the length of the assessment was too long, and there was not enough support on providing postassessment support. They also want to see more specific support for families and children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
In the wake of the QI project, wait times between referral and ADHD assessment have decreased substantially. This is in line the goals of trust and reflects an emphasis on enhancing efficiency and capability across the CAMHS System. The team utilized an approach to change and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to drive positive changes in the ADHD pathway.
A diagnosis of ADHD may also help you get an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP will allow your school to implement additional support for your child, including training or medication. Our CAMHS ADHD clinic can offer support and guidance to children who suffer from ADHD.