CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child is experiencing significant problems, you might be being referred to CAMHS. It's important that the referring professional gives the team as much information as they can regarding the issues your child is having.
A quality improvement (QI) project was initiated to decrease ADHD assessment wait times. This was done using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both the nervous system and the brain. It can cause issues with attention, emotion, and keeping track of time. People with ADHD struggle with learning, making decisions and thinking clearly. They may be impulsive, talkative, fidgety, or excessively active. The early signs may cause problems in work, school and at home.
To be classified as having ADHD, symptoms must be present and persistent for at minimum six months. They must be struggling to function in multiple settings such as at home, school and social situations. They must have a problem with their behavior and it should be disruptive to their relationships with their family and friends.
People with ADHD can often learn how to manage their symptoms through psychosocial treatment and adapting strategies. Treatment options include medication therapy and lifestyle changes. Treatments must be adapted to the individual and be safe for pregnant women as well as nursing mothers. It's crucial to consult a health care provider who is skilled in treating ADHD. A psychiatrist or a doctor provider will assess your child's symptoms, ask questions regarding your child's past as well as their education, and then provide an assessment.
ADHD can be caused by a number of factors such as genetics and the 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 diet and certain foods, such as refined sugar could increase the risk of ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD can get better with age, but they will get worse as one is approaching adulthood. The demands of work, more responsibilities and changes in routines can cause existing coping mechanisms to become inadequate. People who suffer from ADHD may have a harder time self-regulating as they get older because their brains change neurobiologically.
Teachers and parents often miss the signs of ADHD, as they use outdated stereotypes that suggest that only children and boys AMAB suffer from ADHD. This misperception is among the reasons girls and adults AFAB are not given the same attention or treatment. Fortunately, this trend is changing as more professionals and people become aware of the disorder.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms are typically seen in children, but they can be present throughout adulthood. These symptoms can affect school, work, and relationships. The symptoms include difficulties paying attention, a lack of ability to complete tasks, and being easily distracted. They can also cause issues with self-control and impulse control. Some people with ADHD are unaware of their condition and do not know that there are ways to manage their symptoms.
The first step to diagnose ADHD is for a mental health professional to assess the person. This involves examining the person's previous history of behavioral and learning issues. It could also involve interviews with family members, friends, and teachers. The mental health professional could also use ADHD symptoms checklists or standardized rating scales to determine whether someone is a candidate for the disorder. Other evaluations may include psychological tests of working memory, spatial and visual thinking, as well as executive function.
People suffering from ADHD are often unable to remain still for long periods and might have difficulty playing or performing leisure activities at a secluded location. They can interrupt others or talk excessively, and have difficulty waiting their turn during games or activities. People with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD have more trouble sitting still than people with the inattentive type. They are more likely to be distracted and moving around, and often blurt out answers before their question is finished.
Children with ADHD sometimes have a hard time getting along with their peers or forming friendships. Their impulsive nature can cause disputes and conflicts and they are likely to forget what they've been told or lose things quickly. They might also have difficulty staying focused in school or be incapable of finishing their homework.
CAMHS is a free NHS program that helps youngsters, adolescents and young adults with emotional, behavioural or developmental issues. The service comprises psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses, therapists and social workers. They can help with diagnosis and treatment, which includes medication and family therapy. They also provide parenting programs and support groups. Talking to others with ADHD and learning specific coping strategies and coping strategies can benefit those with ADHD.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a mental illness that can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. It is possible to manage the disorder and live a healthy and happy life, but it requires careful monitoring and treatment to manage symptoms and avoid interfering with work or social situations. Adults who suffer from ADHD may require medications and seek treatment to improve their lives. In the United States people with ADHD may be eligible for accommodations at schools or at work to help them manage their symptoms.
The Children's Commissioner Report3 and other guidelines on CAMHS waiting times4 stress the importance of assessing a child or child as fast as is possible in order for them to access a treatment package more quickly. However it is true that the NHS is not required to set out waiting time expectations for mental health services.
This is why many families and professionals are worried about the time it takes for the CAMHS ADHD assessment to be undertaken. It is essential to discuss with your GP or the professional whom you are referring, the difficulties your child or teen has been experiencing, and the impact they are having on the daily life of your child or teen as well as their academic and sleep habits, eating habits and relationship issues. It is important to provide as much detail about the issues your child is possible including the length of time they've been suffering and how they have changed over time.
CAMHS has been working to improve the ADHD pathway and increase capacity. This has included the introduction of a "screening pack which is a standardised questionnaire for teachers and parents who know the child's age to fill out. This is sent to all new referrals for ADHD to CAMHS and is available prior to their assessment appointment. This has allowed an extensive and thorough assessment to be completed, increasing the probability of a positive diagnosis.
A diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the presence of specific symptoms over a long period of time. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) provides the guidelines that doctors use to diagnose adults with ADHD. The severity of the symptoms and their impact on a person's life determine whether they are diagnosed with ADHD.
Treatment
ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioural therapy, or both. Behavioral therapy can help children and families discover new strategies to manage symptoms and alter their behaviour patterns. click to find out more may include changing how they respond to their ADHD as well as improving their communication and focusing on positive reinforcement instead of punishment. The use of medication can help manage the symptoms of ADHD, allowing people to function normally and attain success at work or in school. It can also improve mood, decrease anxiety, and help reduce depression. There are many different medications for ADHD including stimulants and nonstimulants. In addition to these medications many people also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapies and training for parents.
CAMHS is a NHS service that offers help for children and adolescents suffering from mental, emotional, or behavioural issues. The service is free and is administered by psychologists, psychiatrists as well as nurses, therapists, and social workers. CAMHS teams are able to diagnose neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. They may also recommend alternative treatments, like education and family therapy occupational therapy, as well as hospitalization (inpatient care).
The QI project was undertaken by LAR Clinical psychologist in the City and Hackney ADHD team, with assistance from Improvement Advisor JS, ELFT. This research was conducted to explore the general experiences of parents and caregivers who use the ADHD assessment pathway during COVID-19. The transcripts of all interviews were manually transcribed and coded. These codes were discussed in an interaction between the QI team and the Commissioners, to identify the major themes. These themes, along with subthemes, are presented in this report. This is the first time QI in a qualitative way has been used to examine ADHD assessment waiting durations. The findings from this study will be used to guide the development of improvement initiatives within CAMHS. This could include reconsideration of the way that waiting lists are managed, and ways to better support young children and adolescents as waiting for an appointment. The results of this research will also inform the future commissioning and delivery of an adolescent and child ADHD assessment service in the UK.