ADULT ADHD ASSESSMENT
Please note I am an authorised ADHD and ASD assessor for BUPA
and my current wait time for BUPA and private ADHD assessments is:-
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Initial screening to start within 7 days
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Assessments approximately 2-6 weeks to start dependent on mutual availability
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I am able to refer you to a medical prescriber after assessment if required. Please be careful of assessments that do not offer a pathway to treatment after diagnosis, or where assessments don't meet the guidelines for acceptance elsewhere.
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I do not offer assessments for anyone under the age of 18
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Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it is lifelong, and it is characterised by difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It is a common condition that affects both children and adults, and it can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to function in school, work, and social situations.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity and can present differently in different individuals. Some common symptoms of ADHD include:
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Difficulty with sustained attention and focus
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Impulsivity and difficulty waiting turns or queuing.
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Hyperactivity and restlessness
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Disorganisation and difficulty with time management
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Difficulty following through on tasks and completing assignments.
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Difficulty with social interactions and relationships
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Difficulty managing emotions
Diagnosing adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging, as the symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity and can present differently in different individuals. In addition, many adults with ADHD may not have received a diagnosis during childhood and may not recognise that they have ADHD until later in life. I have found that especially for an older generation, ADHD wasn’t known about and so was not commonly recognised.
Some comments that I often hear are that people do not feel or appear hyperactive and it is important to know that isn't always present in ADHD as there are three subtypes of ADHD:
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Inattentive type: This subtype is characterised by difficulty with attention and organisation but does not include hyperactivity or impulsivity.
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Hyperactive/impulsive type: This subtype is characterised by hyperactivity and impulsivity but does not include difficulty with attention.
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Combined type: This subtype is characterised by all three symptoms of ADHD: difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
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There has been an increase in the awareness of ADHD and we have definitely seen an increase in the diagnosis of the condition, particularly after COVID and we know that changes in the way that people manage their condition can make symptoms more apparent.
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ADHD should only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or psychologist, who has received specific training on the assessment and diagnosis of the condition. I have received specific training in the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD with UKAAN (UK Adult ADHD Network) and I use a recognised structured interview approach recognised worldwide together with psychometric measures, a new technological innovation called QB-check and my clinical judgement. I will start by taking a history of your life and your physical and medical history to try and rule out any other conditions that may be causing your problems.
I may ask your friends or family members about your symptoms and how they have impacted your functioning and get an idea of how you were impacted in childhood that you might not remember.
It is important to know that I do not prescribe medication for ADHD but if after assessment we agree that this might be beneficial, I can refer you on to a professional who is able to prescribe.
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Please see my fees page for details of the cost of assessment which includes an assessment letter and feedback session. Please be wary of practitioners who do NOT offer a full screening and assessment process and do not used MDT or supervision to validate your assessment as this might mean your diagnosis is not accepted elsewhere.
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After a diagnosis I can offer ADHD coaching to look at adaptations for work or strategies to help with daily living that might be impacted by your ADHD. These sessions are charged at my normal hourly rate. I am also able to offer ADHD training for businesses to help you understand employees and how to adapt the workplace for better productivity and all round wellbeing.
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