Adult ADHD Assessment

Adult ADHD is significantly under-diagnosed in the UK. NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) guidelines published in 2008 advise medical practitioners with adult patients suspected of having ADHD to refer them to professionals with expertise in this area.

In response to this need, Dr Michael Craig, Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in the diagnosis and management of neurodevelopment disorders in adults, has developed The Adult ADHD Assessment and Treatment Clinic at Capio Nightingale Hospital. His team includes Clinical Psychologists and a range of Therapists.

Assessment will be via a well researched protocol using the Brown and Berkley scales and the Connors semi-structured interview with the patient, and, where possible, a family member. Old school reports will be analysed and psychometric tests may be administered to support the diagnosis. The initial assessment takes approximately two hours followed by a further five hours’ of analysis and additional investigations if required.

The treatment of ADHD consists of medication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psycho-Education. Any medication is tailored to the exact requirements of the patient. The initial assessment will be followed by a consultation with Dr Craig to clarify the diagnosis and offer treatment, usually medication, where necessary.

The patient may be referred to therapy such as Family and Couple Therapy, Addiction Counselling due to self medicating, or Individual Therapy resulting from grief or trauma related to the diagnosis not being identified until late in life. There may also be some follow-up sessions by the consultant to monitor medication, and the prescribing may be devolved to the primary care physician where a shared care protocol is established.

ADHD sufferers are often very intelligent, creative and intuitive people who regularly exhibit other disorders and symptoms including:

• Anxiety, depression and substance misuse
• Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Sense of underachievement, organisational difficulties, procrastination, and many projects underway simultaneously which are seldom completed
• Interpersonal problems, a tendency to blurt things out without thinking, and problems in relationships
• Search for high stimulation and a low threshold tolerance
• A tendency to worry, a sense of insecurity, and mood swings

This assessment is covered by a selection of health insurance providers.

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