CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or teen has difficulties they may be referred to CAMHS for 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, parents' and caregivers' responses to the interview highlighted positives around remote appointments, while also stating that face-to–face appointments would be preferred during assessments.
Signs and symptoms
If a child or a young person you know is suffering from ADHD, they might have trouble sitting still and forgetting things, have difficulties falling asleep and are easily distracted by distractions. They may also struggle to keep up with tasks or activities at home or at school and have difficulty understanding information and are unable to follow instructions. They could lose their possessions, have difficulty completing homework or assignments and also miss appointments. They may injure themselves or others if not careful. They might have difficulties with relationships, find it difficult to get an employment or job, and have trouble getting along with their family.
A few children and adolescents with ADHD are hyperactive. They might be impulsive, fidget, or struggle to wait their turn. no title might not listen to what others say and are more likely to take risks like drinking or engaging in risky sexual activity. Certain adults with ADHD suffer from emotional issues and are prone to becoming angry or angry. They might also be overly sensitive to criticism or believe that others are criticising them.
The symptoms of ADHD differ for each person and they can change as an individual gets older. They can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background. ADHD is an illness that can be treated by medication. However, it is crucial to be aware that treatment does not eliminate all the symptoms of the disorder, and may cause side adverse effects.
The first step to receiving assistance for ADHD is to seek an assessment for ADHD with a camhs. The most commonly used method to get this done is to visit your GP and ask them for an appointment. They may recommend you to a mental clinic to conduct an ADHD specialist assessment.
ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team worked with City and Hackney ADHD team to speed up their assessment process. The average waiting time between assessment and referral was reduced from 12 weeks to less than 12. This is in the range of the trust's goal.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical condition that can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy or education. It can be difficult 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 can refer you to an expert CAMHS team who will examine your child and diagnose them.
If your child has been sent to the CAMHS ADHD Assessment Service you will be visited by at least one person from the team. They will also seek out the child's parents or caregivers, as well as a teacher who knows them well for feedback. The team will use standardised assessment techniques and detailed histories taking to determine your child's challenges. They will also send out Conners questionnaires to the child and their parent(s) or guardian(s), and a teacher that is familiar with the child to complete prior to the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team may then decide that your child is in need of additional tests and will refer them to an expert clinical psychologist. The psychologist will conduct a variety of tests to determine how your child handles their emotions and behaviour in various situations. They will look at the way your child behaves at home, at school as well as in public areas.
During the assessment, the clinician will talk to you and your child about what they've discovered. The clinician will make a diagnosis, and then discuss treatment options with you. People suffering from ADHD are often treated with medication, but it is not a cure for all symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into various pathways, and the "ADHD Assessment pathway" is part of the Neurodevelopmental assessment pathway. Some children and adolescents will be assessed for ADHD through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS pathway. This is due to their cognitive abilities are higher and their challenges more complex than those of other children and youth who utilize CAMHS. The 'ID CAMHS' page on this website has more information about this pathway.
Treatment
The NHS offers specialized assistance for children and young people suffering from ADHD through local services in your region. This could be psychologists or psychiatrists or even a nurse. You'll be asked to describe your symptoms and how they impact your life. They may also speak to your teachers, parents or other caregivers. They might decide to prescribe medication or suggest alternative treatments. The NHS website has information about treatments and what to expect.
Recent reports2 have highlighted the issue of long wait times for CAMHS services. The wait times for the assessment of ADHD are particularly high, even with good quality care. While national guidelines3 as well as local transformation plans4 emphasize the need for early identification of children and young adults with ADHD and a guideline for assessment has been provided but there is no specific guidelines on how long a child or young person should wait to be seen.
This project was created to cut down on the time it takes for the ADHD assessment. This was accomplished through an easy tool for data collection and integration into the clinical system. This has allowed the average time from the date 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 Hackney CAMHS ADHD team for their dedication and hard work during this project.
If a medication is prescribed, your doctor will discuss the options available with you and your loved ones. There are a myriad of medicines that can be utilized to treat ADHD however they all have distinct negative effects. It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects before you begin any treatment.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a range of non-pharmacological treatments that can be used to help improve the symptoms of ADHD. These include psychological therapies, parenting programs and behaviour therapy. Sessions for groups or individuals are available. Someone who suffers from ADHD may also benefit from using organisation and planning apps.
The project involved 12 participants who had been referred recently to the CAMHS ADHD route within a local Trust. The interviews were semi-structured, and were conducted over the phone. Participants were selected using a purposeful sample technique. This method was chosen as it is thought to be more ethical than a controlled trial that is randomised, which would normally be employed in research studies.
Support
The diagnosis of ADHD is often distressing for parents and children alike, as the symptoms are often misunderstood or viewed as unacceptable behavior. However, there is a wealth of resources available from mental health services, as well as organizations and charities that can help. It is important that families are aware of what to expect from the assessment process. CAMHS have produced guidance on this subject and it is available in the links below.
CAMHS also provide a range of treatments for ADHD that include lifestyle and medication. It is essential to select the appropriate medication for your child, as every person reacts differently to medication. A CAMHS evaluation may involve discussions with a nurse or doctor and may include a variety of tests such as brain scans and blood tests.
The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently launched a program to improve service quality and cut waiting time. The team met with service users throughout the assessment process and identified key themes that informed the improvement of the process. For instance, they were of the opinion that the assessment was too long, and there was not enough support providing postassessment support. Additionally they would like get more specific support for families and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
In the wake of the QI project, wait time from referral to ADHD evaluation have been reduced significantly. This is in line the targets for trust-levels, and shows a focus on improving efficiency and capabilities across the CAMHS System. The team utilized the model of change and Plan-Do–Study–Act cycles to drive positive changes in the ADHD pathway.
A diagnosis of ADHD may also help you obtain an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP will allow your school to put in place additional support for your child, including medication or training courses. Our CAMHS ADHD clinic can offer support and guidance for children suffering from ADHD.