CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or adolescent experiences difficulties, they could be sent to undergo 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 positives around remote appointments but also that face-to–face appointments would be preferred during assessments.
Signs and symptoms
If a child or young person you know is suffering from ADHD They may be unable to sit still or forgetting things, experience difficulty falling asleep and be easily distracted by distractions. They might also have difficulty trying to keep up with their tasks or activities at school or home or at home, struggle to comprehend information and are unable to follow instructions. They might often lose their possessions, have difficulties completing assignments or homework and miss appointments. If they are not careful, they could hurt themselves or others. They may have difficulty in relationships, and find it difficult to find a job or work and have difficulty getting along with their family.
Some children and adolescents with ADHD are highly impulsive. adhd assessment for women may be impulsive, fidget, or fight to get their turn. They may not listen to others and be more likely to engage in risky behaviors like using drugs or engaging in sexual activities that are risky. Certain people with ADHD have issues with their emotions and can easily become angry or frustrated. They may also be sensitive to criticism or feel that other people are judging them.
The symptoms of ADHD can vary from individual to individual and can change with age. They can affect anyone of any race, gender or background. ADHD can be treated with medication. It is important to know that medication does not eliminate all symptoms of the disorder and can have side effects.
An assessment of the camhs adhd is the first step to getting help for ADHD. The most popular method for this is to go to your GP and ask them for an appointment. They may refer you to a mental health service for a specialized ADHD assessment.
ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team worked with the City and Hackney ADHD team to improve the timeliness of their assessment process. In the end, the average wait time from referral to feedback on assessment was reduced to less than 12 weeks. This is in line the trust's goal.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition that can be treated by medications, behavioral therapy, or education. Children and parents might find it difficult to understand, but there are many resources available. If you believe that you or your child is suffering from symptoms of ADHD, speak to a GP. They can refer you to a specialist CAMHS who will assess and diagnose your child.
If your child is referred to a CAMHS ADHD assessment service they will usually be seen by one or two members of the team. They will also request feedback from the child and their parent(s) or carer(s) and the teacher who knows them well. The team will employ standard assessment techniques and detailed history taking to assess your child's difficulties. They will also provide Conners questionnaires to the child, their parent(s) or guardian(s) as well as an educator who knows the child well to complete before the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team will then determine whether your child needs further tests and refer them to an experienced psychologist. The psychologist will use different tests to assess 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 school, home and other public places.
During the assessment the clinician will speak to you and your child about what they have discovered. They will then make an assessment and discuss the options for treatment with you. People suffering from ADHD are often treated with medication, however it does not eliminate all symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is split into different pathways and the 'ADHD assessment pathway' falls within the Neurodevelopmental Assessment pathway. However, certain youngsters and children will undergo their ADHD assessment through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS pathway. This is due to their an elevated cognitive ability and their difficulties are more complex than those of other children and young people who are using CAMHS. This pathway is further explained on the "ID the CAMHS" page on this website.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialized help for children and adolescents with ADHD through an in-person service within your area. This could be a psychiatrist or psychologist or even a nurse. You will be asked to explain your symptoms, and how they impact your life. They might also talk to your parents, teachers, or other carers. They may also decide to prescribe medication or suggest alternative treatments. The NHS website has information about treatments and what you can expect.
A recent report2 identified the issue of lengthy waiting times for CAMHS services. Even with high-quality services, waiting times for ADHD assessments can be very long. Local plans for transformation4 and national guidelines3 for transformation4 stress the importance of early detection and evaluation of children and adolescents with ADHD. However there are no specific guidelines on how long they should wait.
This project was developed to speed up the time for the ADHD assessment. This was achieved by using a simple tool for data collection and embedding it in the clinical system. The average time between the time the referral was made and the time the ADHD assessment feedback was given was reduced. The QI team would like to thank the City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD team for their commitment and hard work throughout the project.
If a medication has been prescribed, the doctors discuss the options available to you and your family members. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD however they all have different side effects. It is crucial to know what to expect before you begin any treatment.
There are a variety of non-pharmacological therapies that can help to improve ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programs, behaviour therapy and psychological treatments. Group or individual sessions are available. A person who suffers from ADHD might also benefit from using organisation and planning apps.
The project involved twelve participants who were recently referred to the CAMHS ADHD route within the local Trust. Interviews were semi-structured and conducted via phone. Participants were recruited by using a deliberate sample technique. This technique was chosen because it is regarded to be more ethical than the randomised controlled trial approach that is normally employed in research studies.
Support
The diagnosis of ADHD can be a stressful experience for parents and children alike, since the signs are often misinterpreted or viewed as bad behavior. Mental health services as well as charities and organisations can provide assistance. It is important that families know what to expect from the assessment process. CAMHS has issued guidelines on the subject, which you can find by clicking the below links.
CAMHS offers a range of treatments for ADHD including medication and lifestyle modifications. It is essential to ensure that the appropriate treatment is selected for your child's needs, as different people react differently to medication. A CAMHS assessment may include discussions with a doctor or nurse and can involve a variety of tests such as brain scans and blood tests.
The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently completed a project to improve quality and reduce waiting times. The team conducted a survey of service users during the assessment process and identified the key issues that helped inform improvements to the path. For example, service users thought that the assessment was too long, and there was not enough support to the post-assessment. Additionally they would like get more specific support for children and families who receive a diagnosis of ADHD.
Following the QI project, the wait times between referral and ADHD assessment have decreased substantially. This is in line with trust-level targets, and reflects the importance of improving efficiency and capabilities across the CAMHS System. The team employed a model for change and Plan-Do-Study Act cycles to create positive changes in the ADHD process.
A diagnosis of ADHD may also help you obtain an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP allows schools to provide additional assistance for your children including training and medication. The school can also contact our CAMHS ADHD clinic for advice and support sessions for children who have received an ADHD diagnosis.