Prior to the assessment you will be sent three questionnaires to complete. One is for you, one for a good friend/partner (someone who knows you well as an adult) and one for your parent (or someone who knew you well as a child) to complete. It is very important for us to have this information to complete your assessment. We also welcome additional information such as school reports.
- Initial Assessment: This is usually a virtual assessment, although we can offer face to face assessments if required. A clinician will conduct a detailed psychiatric assessment including the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA), This usually take 1.5 – 2hours. You may need a second appointment to complete the assessment. You will be told whether you have ADHD or not at the end of your assessment.
- Treatment: If you are diagnosed with ADHD the management options will be discussed with you. You may be offered medication and/or psychological interventions. If you decide to have a medication trial we will manage this initially and then ask your GP to take over prescribing with a Shared Care Agreement (SCA). We may offer psychological therapy or signpost you to other organisations for this.
- Discharge: Once we discharge you from our service, your GP will manage your ADHD and request our support when needed according to the SCA.
Medication can be an effective part of an ADHD treatment plan. There are two main types of medications used to treat ADHD in adults; stimulants and non-stimulants.
- Stimulant Medications: Stimulant medications are most commonly prescribed for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are typically fast-acting and can provide significant relief from ADHD symptoms.
- Non-Stimulant Medications: Non-stimulant medications are another option for treating ADHD. These medications do not work as quickly as stimulants, but they can be effective for those who may not respond well to stimulants or experience adverse side effects. Non-stimulants help improve focus, attention, and impulse control, though they may take longer to show effects.
- Considerations and Monitoring: When starting any medication for ADHD, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor its effectiveness and any potential side effects. Medication is often most effective when combined with other treatment strategies, such as therapy and lifestyle changes.
- Additional Information: For more detailed information on ADHD medications, consult the NHS website or speak with your healthcare provider. Further information on medication for ADHD can be found on the Choice and Medication website here.
In addition to medication, there are several non-pharmaceutical treatments that can effectively manage ADHD symptoms. These options can be used alone or in combination with medication for a comprehensive treatment approach. Our clinicians will be happy to signpost you to relevant resources in this regard:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT can help manage ADHD symptoms by teaching coping strategies and skills to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Find CBT services through NHS Talking Therapies or private practitioners. Currently, we do not offer psychological interventions for the treatment of ADHD in our clinic.
- Coaching: ADHD coaches work with individuals to develop personalised strategies to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Services can be found through organisations like ADDISS or ADHD UK.
Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide community support and shared experiences. Organisations like ADHD Aware and ADHD Foundation offer group sessions.