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CAMHS ADHD Assessment

If your child or teen is struggling, they could be referred to CAMHS for 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 who were interviewed in response COVID-19 have highlighted the advantages of remote appointments, but also said that face-toface appointments would be preferable for assessments.

Signs and symptoms

If your child or young person you know has ADHD they may be unable to sit still and forgetting things, have difficulty falling asleep and be easily distracted by other stimuli. They might also have trouble staying on top of tasks and activities at school or at home, struggling to understand information and find it difficult to follow directions. They might lose things, have trouble completing homework assignments or assignments, and even have trouble keeping appointments. If they are not careful, they could harm themselves or others. They may have difficulty in relationships, find it difficult to find an employment or job, and have a difficult time being a good parent.





Some children and adolescents with ADHD are highly impulsive. They might be impulsive, fidget, or fight to get their turn. They may not pay attention to what other people say and might be more likely to be risky, such as using drugs or engaging in dangerous sexual activities. Some people with ADHD also struggle with their emotions and can become irritable, frustrated or angry easily. They might also be overly sensitive to criticism or feel that others are judging them.

The symptoms of ADHD can differ from person to person and change as you get older. They can affect anyone regardless of gender, race or background. ADHD is a condition that is treated by medication. It is important to know that medication does not eliminate all symptoms of the disorder, and can have side effects.

The first step in getting assistance for ADHD is to have an assessment for ADHD with a camhs. The most popular method to get this done is to go to your GP and request an appointment. They may refer you to a mental health service to conduct an ADHD specialist assessment.

The ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team worked 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 line with the trust's mission.

Diagnosis

ADHD is a medical issue and can be treated with medication, behavioural therapy or education. Parents and children might find it difficult to understand but there are many resources available. If you suspect that you or your child has symptoms of ADHD consult an GP. They may refer you to a specialist CAMHS team that will evaluate 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 for feedback from the child and their parent(s) or carer(s) and a teacher that is familiar with them. The team will use standardised assessments and detailed histories to determine your child's difficulties. They will also send out Conners questionnaires for the child and their parent(s) or guardian(s) as well as a teacher that knows the young person well to complete prior the assessment appointment.

The CAMHS team will then decide whether your child needs additional tests and refer them to an experienced psychologist. The psychologist will employ different tests to see how your child handles their emotions and behaves in various situations. They will examine the way your child behaves at home, at school and in public spaces.

During the evaluation the doctor will talk with you and your child what they've discovered. They will then make a diagnosis and discuss the options for treatment with you. People with ADHD are usually treated with medication, but it does not eliminate all symptoms.

Rotherham CAMHS is split into different pathways and the "ADHD assessment pathway" falls within the Neurodevelopmental Assessment pathway. Some children and adolescents are assessed for ADHD through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS path. This is because their cognitive abilities are greater and their challenges more complex than the other children and adolescents who use CAMHS. The 'ID CAMHS' section on this site provides more information about this pathway.

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 may ask you to describe your symptoms and how they affect your life. get an adhd assessment could also speak with your parents, teachers, or other caregivers. They may also decide to prescribe medication or suggest alternative treatments. The NHS website provides information on treatments and what you can expect.

Recent reports have revealed the issue of lengthy wait times for CAMHS services. Even with the best services waiting times for ADHD assessments are very long. While national guidelines3 as well as local transformation plans4 emphasise the importance of early identification of children and young people with ADHD and guidelines on assessment has been developed but there is no specific guideline regarding how long a child or young person should wait before being seen.

This quality improvement (QI) project was created to reduce waiting times for the ADHD assessment process. This was accomplished through a simple instrument for data collection and integrating it into the clinical system. This has enabled the average time from the time of referral to the date of the ADHD assessment feedback to be cut down. The QI team would like to also thank City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD for their dedication and hardwork throughout the course of this project.

If a medication is prescribed by a specialist, they will discuss the options with you and your family. There are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD, but they all have different side effects. It is crucial to know what to expect before you start any treatment.

There are a variety of non-pharmacological therapies that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programs, and behavior therapy. They can be provided individually or in groups. A person with ADHD may also find it helpful to use software for organisation and planning.

The project included 12 participants who had been recently sent to the CAMHS ADHD route within the local Trust. The interviews were semi-structured and they took place over the phone. Participants were selected through a targeted sample method. This method was chosen as it is considered to be more ethical than a controlled trial that is randomised that is typically used in a research study.

Support

A diagnosis of ADHD can be distressing for parents and children because the signs are often misinterpreted and viewed as bad behavior. However, there are lots of services available to help from mental health services, as well as organisations and charities that can help. It's important that families are aware of what to expect during the assessment process. CAMHS have provided guidance on this subject and it is available in the links below.

CAMHS also offer a number of treatments for ADHD which include lifestyle and medication. It is essential to select the right medication for your child as every person reacts differently to medication. A CAMHS assessment may include discussions with a doctor or nurse and can involve a variety of tests, including brain scans and blood tests.

The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently launched a program to improve service quality and cut waiting times. The team met with service users throughout the assessment process, and identified key themes that informed improvements to the assessment process. Service users, for instance were of the opinion that the assessment was too long and they did not receive enough support after the assessment. They also want to see more specific support for families and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

After the QI project was launched and implemented, the wait intervals between referral and ADHD evaluation were drastically reduced. This is in line with goals of trust and reflects an emphasis on enhancing effectiveness and capacity across the CAMHS System. The team used an approach to change and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to drive positive change in the ADHD pathway.

A diagnosis of ADHD could also assist in getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for your child. The EHCP allows schools to provide additional support for your children with regards to training and medication. The school can also refer to our CAMHS ADHD clinic for advice and support sessions for children who have been given an ADHD diagnosis.