ADHD Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment
Online Clinics | In Person in Reading
ADHD Assessment and Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
What is Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people's behaviour and ability to concentrate, and the capacity to function on a daily basis. Symptoms of ADHD are usually noted at an early age, but sometimes later in the adulthood.
As ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it's understood that it first develops in childhood, but symptoms can often persist into adulthood.
Symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
There are several signs and symptoms related to ADHD, but they can be mainly organized into two main types: Inattention, Impulsivity and/or Hyperactivity.
Some people might experience problems related with one of the types of ADHD or it might be the case that the person has symptoms of both.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary with age and also with gender.
The Main Signs and Symptoms of Inattention
Failing to give attention to details, or making careless mistakes in school work and other activities
Failing to sustain attention in tasks or when playing
Often appears not to be listening to what is being said to him or her
Often fails to follow through on instructions or to finish schoolwork or duties in the workplace
Difficulties in organising tasks and activities
Often avoids and strongly dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often loses things necessary for certain tasks or activities
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Often forgetful during the daily life activities
Inattention (difficulty in concentrating and focusing) is more common in girls
The Main Signs and Symptoms of Impulsivity or Hyperactivity
Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirms on seat
Leaving the seat frequently or in situations in which remaining seated is expected
Running about or climbing excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
Unduly or having difficulties in engaging in quiet activities
Persistent pattern of excessive motor activity
Aetiology: What Causes ADHD?
Despite the latest research in the ADHD field, the exact cause of ADHD is yet not fully understood. Research shows that there is a combination of factors that can contribute to ADHD:
Genetic: ADHD is more common among people who have relatives with ADHD
Brain function and structure: research suggests an imbalance in the neurotransmitters, and a different development in the brain of people with ADHD
Brain injuries
Being exposed to toxic factors during pregnancy
Being born prematurely or with a low birthweight
ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis
We use the most updated guidelines ensuring the quality of the assessments and to produce a high quality report that can be accepted by your local mental health team. That's why we follow the NICE guidelines, the Royal College of Psychiatry good practice guidelines, the United Kingdom Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) expertise as well as the British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP) evidence based treatment guidance.
What To Expect From An ADHD Clinic
Pre-Assessment
The pre-assessment pack includes information about ADHD, what to expect from an ADHD assessment and also several questionnaires that are required to be completed and returned back to the Consultant Psychiatrist leading the case, for review and interpretation.
It will also be required for someone who knows well the person being assessed (partner, parents, family member) to complete a questionnaire, providing information about the possible signs and symptoms. School reports, or clinical letters produced during your childhood are very relevant to the assessment and you will be required to facilitate them.
If evidence that the signs and symptoms were not present since childhood, then a diagnosis cannot be offered.
Review of the Questionnaires and Reports
After receiving the questionnaires and the reports, the Consultant Psychiatrist leading the case will be reviewing all the school reports and/or clinical letters provided and interpreting the questionnaires completed. A diagnostic interview will be offered to suit your availability.
Diagnostic Interview
A diagnostic interview can be completed both face to face or online. During the diagnostic interview, the Consultant Psychiatrist will complete a thorough developmental history, a full psychiatric history and will apply the gold standard Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (DIVA).
Full Assessment Review
After completing the diagnostic interview, the Consultant Psychiatrist leading the case will be reviewing and critically analysing all the information gathered, which includes the school reports and/or clinical letters provided, the questionnaires completed, as well as the information gathered during the diagnostic interview. After triangulating all the information collected, it will be possible to conclude if a diagnosis of ADHD can be offered or not.
The assessment review is an extremely important step as ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, occurring since childhood, with the symptoms present into adulthood. Symptoms should also be associated with significant clinical or psychosocial difficulties that affect the person in at least two life circumstances.
Report
After the assessment review is completed, the Consultant Psychiatrist will produce a report. This will be a full assessment report that will provide thorough and comprehensive information gathered during the assessment. It will also provide a clear outcome of the assessment. Whether a diagnosis of ADHD has been offered or not, the report will include medical recommendation based on the assessment completed.
Treatment
After the assessment has been completed and a diagnosis offered, the Consultant Psychiatrist will inform you about the different treatment options.
The latest research shows that there's still no available cure for ADHD, however treatment options are available to help people managing the symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD Treatment
Treatment for ADHD is mainly with the aim to help with the symptoms and to improve the quality of life.
There are several treatment options that can include medication, psychological approaches or brain training techniques to help manage the symptoms and improve the brain function and capabilities.
ADHD Assessment & Consultation Locations
Online & Home Appointments
We offer online assessments and consultations so that you can enjoy our services from your personal space. At your request, we’re able to offer home assessments within our catchment area.
In Person Appointments
Our main location is Regus House, 400 Thames Valley Park Drive, Earley, Reading, RG6 1PT, where we are very happy to welcome you.
We can also offer face-to-face assessments/appointments in other locations at a Regus building, mainly in Hampshire, Berkshire and London.