CAMHS ADHD Assessment
If your child or adolescent experiences difficulty, they may be recommended for 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.
Parents/caregivers interviewed in response to COVID-19 emphasized the benefits of remote appointments, but also said that face-to-face appointments are preferred during assessments.
Symptoms
If a child or a young person you know is suffering from ADHD, they might have trouble sitting still, forget things, have difficulties falling asleep and are easily distracted by other stimuli. They might also have trouble keeping up with tasks and activities at home or at school, struggle to make sense of information and have trouble to follow directions. They may lose their belongings, have difficulty completing homework or assignments and may miss appointments. They may end up hurting themselves or others if not cautious. They may have a difficult relationship, and struggle to find work or a job and may find it difficult to get on with their family members.
A few children and young people with ADHD are also in a state of being impulsive. They might fidget, tap their fingers or struggle to wait their turn. They may not pay attention to others and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like taking drugs or engaging in sexual activity that is dangerous. Some adults with ADHD have emotional problems and are prone to becoming angry or even angry. They may also be sensitive to criticism or believe that others are judging them.
The symptoms of ADHD are different for every person and they can change as an individual gets older. They can affect anyone of any gender, ethnicity or background. ADHD is an illness that can be treated by medication. It is important to know that medication does not completely eliminate the symptoms of the disorder, and it can cause side effects.
The first step in seeking help for ADHD is to have an assessment for ADHD with a camhs. This is typically done by asking your GP to schedule an appointment. They might refer you to a mental health clinic to conduct a specialist ADHD assessment.
The ELFT's Quality Improvement (QI) team worked with City and Hackney ADHD team to speed up their assessment process. The result was that the average waiting time from referral to feedback from the assessment was reduced to less than 12 weeks. This is in line the trust's goals.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a medical disorder which can be treated through medications, behavioral therapy, or education. It isn't easy for parents and children to understand the condition however there is a lot of help available. Speak with your GP If you or your child exhibits symptoms of ADHD. They can refer you to an expert CAMHS team that will evaluate your child and diagnose them.
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 ask for feedback from the child as well as their parent(s) or carer(s) and an educator who knows them well. The team will use standard assessment techniques and detailed histories taking to assess your child's challenges. They will also send out Conners questionnaires to the child as well as their parent(s) or guardian(s) and an educator who is familiar with the child to complete prior to the assessment appointment.
The CAMHS team will then determine that your child requires more tests and refer them to a clinical psychologist. The psychologist will conduct a variety of tests to see how your child handles their emotions and behaviour in different situations. They will assess the behavior of your child in a variety of settings, including the home, school and public spaces.
During the examination, the clinician will talk to you and your child about what they have found out. They will then formulate a diagnosis and discuss the options for treatment with you. The use of medication is frequently used to treat people suffering from ADHD, but this does not eliminate all their symptoms.
Rotherham CAMHS is divided into multiple pathways. The "ADHD assessment pathway" falls within the Neurodevelopmental Assessment pathway. However, some youngsters and children will receive their ADHD assessment done through the Intellectual Disability CAMHS pathway. This is due to the fact that they have more cognitive ability and their challenges are more complex than other children and young people who are using CAMHS. This pathway is explained in greater detail on the "ID the CAMHS" page of this website.
Treatment
The NHS provides specialized assistance to children and adolescents with ADHD via a local service. This might include a psychiatrist, psychologist or a nurse. They may ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also speak to your teachers, parents or other caregivers. They may decide to treat you with medicine or suggest alternative treatments instead. The NHS website offers information about treatments and what you can expect.
A recent report2 identified the issue of lengthy waiting times for CAMHS services. The wait times for the assessment of ADHD are particularly long, even with good quality care. Although national guidelines3 and local transformation plans4 stress the importance of early detection of children and young people with ADHD, and guidance on assessment has been provided however there is no clear guidelines on the length of time the 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 by using an easy instrument for data collection and integration into 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 also like to thank City and Hackney CAMHS ADHD for their commitment and hard work throughout this project.
If the medication is prescribed by a specialist, they will discuss the options with you and your family. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ADHD however they all have distinct adverse effects. It is essential to be aware of the potential side effects before you start any treatment.
There are many non-pharmacological treatment options that can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. These include parenting programmes as well as behaviour therapy and psychological therapies. Group or individual sessions are available. Apps that aid in planning and organization could be beneficial to someone suffering from ADHD.
The project involved 12 participants who were recently referred to the CAMHS ADHD route within the local Trust. The interviews were semi-structured and they took place over the phone. Participants were recruited by using a deliberate sample technique. This method was chosen as it is thought to be more ethical than a controlled trial that is randomised that is normally employed in research studies.
Support
A diagnosis of ADHD can be distressing for parents and children because the signs can be misunderstood and viewed as bad behaviour. Mental health services as along with charities and organizations can provide support. It is important that families are aware of what to expect from the assessment process. CAMHS has issued guidance on the subject, which you can find by clicking the hyper link s below.
CAMHS also provide a variety of different treatments for ADHD, including medications and lifestyle changes. However, it is vital to ensure that the appropriate treatment is selected for your child, as different people respond differently to medication. A CAMHS evaluation will involve discussions with a physician or nurse and can involve a range of tests, like brain scans and blood tests which help to determine possible causes of the symptoms.
The City and Hackney ADHD Team recently implemented a project to improve service quality and cut waiting time. The team spoke with service users during the assessment process and identified the key issues that informed improvements to the pathway. Service users, for example they felt that the assessment was too lengthy and they felt that there was not enough post-assessment support. They also would like to see more targeted support for families and children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
After the QI project was completed and implemented, the wait times between initial referral and ADHD assessment significantly decreased. This is in line with targets for trust-levels, and shows a focus on improving efficiency and capability across the CAMHS System. The team employed the model of change and Plan-Do–Study–Act cycles to create positive changes in the ADHD process.
A diagnosis of ADHD can also help you obtain an Education, Health and Care Plan for your child. The EHCP allows your school to provide additional assistance for your children, such as training and medication. The school may also contact our CAMHS ADHD clinic for support and advice for children who have been given an ADHD diagnosis.