What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (often shortened to ADHD) is a complex, but common condition that affects both boys and girls. It is a neuro-developmental condition which means something is different about the way the brain has developed. It particularly affects the way the brain processes information and controls responses to that information.
So young people (and adults) who have ADHD find it difficult to filter information and focus on what is important. They also find it hard to not act on thoughts that they have and are generally very active. Young people with ADHD can also be energetic, fun and imaginative. They are likely to be enthusiastic about trying new things.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in children? How might they differ from one child to the next?
It is usually first noticed by parents and teachers when children are in primary school, or early secondary school. However some people are not diagnosed until they are adults.
The symptoms are difficulties with concentrating, particularly in loud or busy environments, being restless or very active, and doing things without thinking, (being impulsive). Young people can get in to trouble for calling out or being too chatty in class. They may need to be given instructions two or three times before acting on them. They may find it difficult to listen to instructions. Young people and adults with ADHD can find it very difficult to wait for things. This can lead to them getting in to trouble at school for calling out or not waiting their turn.
ADHD can present differently in different children. Some children can manage for primary school but find the increased complexity and pressure in secondary school too much and struggle in this transition. It can present as what looks like a decline in academic performance or increased anxiety. It can affect friendships.
Boys tend to have more of the hyper-activity symptoms and girls tend to have more inattention problems, but there is a lot of overlap. Both boys and girls can have just the inattention difficulties or just the impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms.
Is an ADHD assessment right for my child?
There are many reasons why a young person may struggle with attention and be impulsive, so it is important to ensure a comprehensive overall assessment of a young person is done first to ensure other causes of these symptoms are not missed.
If the initial assessment is strongly suggestive of ADHD and other causes are unlikely, then we would recommend an ADHD assessment.
Knowing what the cause of a young person’s difficulties are can help them understand why some things are more difficult for them. It can help the young person’s teachers put things in place to help and aid them in understanding the young person’s behaviour.
ADHD symptoms can respond well to changes put in place in schools and at home, and there are also medications that can be helpful for ADHD so it is important to assess for the diagnosis if it is there.
What does an ADHD assessment entail?
If, following an initial general assessment, an ADHD assessment is recommended then we would book your child in for an observed assessment called a QbCheck, a computerised assessment of attention, impulsivity and movement. It takes about 20-30 minutes and can be done from home.
We send out questionnaires for the young person, parents and teachers to fill out and we then do a clinical assessment with a consultant psychiatrist which lasts about 1 hour. All the information is put together and reviewed in order to make the diagnosis which is then discussed with the young person and parents, and a plan made going forward.
Following the assessment we send out a report outlining the assessments, diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
If my child is diagnosed with ADHD, what support is available?
We can offer education and support sessions to parents; liaison with schools; as well as individual sessions with young people and medication treatments.
How much does assessment cost? How long will it take?
An initial assessment is £545 and takes 90 minutes
An ADHD assessment is £995 following an initial assessment, and consists of the 30 minute QbCheck, questionnaire completion, and 60 minute consultant assessment, and will include an assessment report.
Without an initial assessment, an ADHD assessment is £1,195 and consists of the 30 minute QbCheck, questionnaire completion, and 90 minute consultant assessment, and will include an assessment report.
The process can take 2 weeks to a month from start to finish and can depend on how quickly questionnaires are returned.
Medication initiation can be done with either a Consultant Psychiatrist (£350) or a Clinical Nurse Specialist (£250).
Medication follow-ups are 30 minutes and can be with a Consultant Psychiatrist (£175) or a Clinical Nurse Specialist (£125)
Prescriptions are done through our electronic prescribing service and cost £30 per prescription. There is also the cost of the medication with a private prescription.
Once a young person is established on a stable dose of medication, prescribing can be taken over by NHS GP’s under a Shared Care Agreement, but not all NHS GP’s will offer this. It is best to check with your own GP first.
How can I find out more or book an initial assessment?