WHAT IS ADHD?

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ADHD is a behavioural disorder characterised by a combination of difficulties with inattentiveness, restlessness and impulsivity. Many people experience these kind of difficulties to some degree but for individuals with ADHD the symptoms tend to have a big impact on day to day life and relationships. It can also impact on self-esteem, personal well-being, relationships with others and work performance.

 

Signs of ADHD can include:

• Difficulty focusing on or paying attention to tasks

• Struggling to manage time effectively

• Mood swings or difficulties managing feelings such as anger or frustration

• Easily distracted or unable to concentrate

• Impulsiveness

• Difficulties with organisation

• Forgetfulness

• Anxiety

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Symptoms of ADHD start in childhood with difficulties persisting into adulthood, although their presentation may be change over time. For some, ADHD is not identified or diagnosed until later life. ADHD can affect both males and females.

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ADHD can co-exist with a range of other difficulties. It is important therefore to work closely with your mental health care provider to identify how your treatment should be best targeted.

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ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT

Reaching out for help can be difficult but when the difficulties associated with ADHD are impacting on your day to day life, it can be helpful to seek the help of a highly trained mental health professional for accurate ADHD testing.

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I will undertake a full ADHD assessment including information about your physical health, family history, description and impact of symptoms and any previous child or adult ADHD diagnosis or treatment approaches. Your Psychiatrist may use an evaluation tool or rating scale to aid this assessment but is unlikely to rely on this alone. It is important that consideration be given to any co-existing difficulties (e.g. anxiety, mood disorder) so that support can be prioritised and best targeted.

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Following the ADHD Assessment, I will consider your individual profile of need and symptom management when devising a treatment plan that is completely personalised to you. Although ADHD cannot be ‘cured’, with support it is possible to lessen the impact of many of the associated symptoms.

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Possible treatment routes to target specific symptoms, (e.g. CBT) and lifestyle adaptations. A combination of these is usually most effective and I will tailor a treatment plan specifically to your individual presentation. 

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An assessment is different from a clinical diagnosis available from the NHS which would include information about other conditions you might have. Many people choose an assessment over a full psychiatric diagnosis because they can do so without a referral, the wait times are shorter and it is a more affordable option.

If you wish to use your assessment for support at work or in an educational establishment, please ensure the organisation is happy to recognise an autism assessment as opposed to a full clinical diagnosis.  Please email me for availability and i will message you my next available time slot.  Please note i will only give an ADHD assessment for over 16 years of age.

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The appoitment will include an 50 minute consultation online and i will explain how it works moving forward. Your report results will usually take 7 days. Please email Daniellefreedman640@hotmail.com.

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The fee for the ADHD assessment is £350.00 I DO NOT prescribe medication but can put in touch with other organisations that may be able to help you further.

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I know how hard it is to come to terms with being autistic, particularly as a late-diagnosed adult, and I know of the life affirming changes that a diagnosis leads to. 

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WHAT CAUSES ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown however research is suggesting several possible factors. For example, ADHD often runs in families and research suggests there may be a genetic or hereditary factor involved.  Other research has suggested brain differences or environmental influences during early development may be implicated.

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There is much still to be understood about the origins of ADHD and its associated symptoms.