ADD/ADHD Definition
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is commonly thought to be influenced by a combination of hereditary, psychological, and biological factors. While the exact cause is not fully understood, scientists suggest there may be a neurological component involved.
Our prescription service is not available to clients who have been diagnosed with ADHD elsewhere. In order to continue treatment and medication, we would need to conduct a full assessment with a psychiatrist.
Managing your ADHD diagnosis
ADHD is classified into three types. A person of the ‘combined type’ is both inattentive and hyperactive, whereas someone of the ‘predominantly hyperactive’ type is much more hyperactive and impulsive. Lastly, there is ‘predominantly inattentive’, which has the greatest impact on distraction.
ADHD symptoms and signs
Adults can experience less obvious symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, despite its effects. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be divided into five broad categories:
- Hyper focus. The more focused you are on one task, the more likely it is that you will overlook other more important tasks, especially if it is consuming and enjoyable for you.
- Impulsivity. It is possible to engage in impulsive behaviour, such as spending money.
- Emotional difficulty. You might lose your temper easily if you’re having a hard time handling stress.
- Hyperactivity. You may feel restless or fidgety constantly, and you may need less sleep as a result.
- Disorganisation. Adults with ADHD are more likely to lose things or forget important tasks.
It can be very challenging to deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when these symptoms combine. It can lead to a variety of problems if left unchecked. Among these are financial difficulties, work-related problems, relationship problems, and physical or mental health problems.
Contact us today or complete our online form to schedule a confidential first session in Expert Therapy clinic or online. Please let us know how we can help.
ADHD Specialist Clinic
Our ADHD clinic with renowned ADHD experts, ADHD consultant psychiatrists, and ADHD with co-occurring issues specialists includes the following.
- Multiple specialized screening questionnaires will be used as part of a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
- In addition to DSM-4, Wender Utah, ASRS, DIVA-5, and Conners 66-item long scale questionnaires, our ADHD specialists use six separate indices to measure the severity and symptoms of ADHD, as well as a graphic profile that illustrates both symptoms and severity.
- Examples of typical brain scans will be shown along with an explanation of the condition.
- Upon receiving your diagnosis, profile, and assessment report, your GP should receive a copy.
- The diagnosis can be confirmed, and treatment options may help manage symptoms by influencing dopamine and noradrenaline levels. Results can vary, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance on treatment options.
- Depending on the assessment, prescription services are available. Imported medications are not included in this list.
- As appropriate, referral to CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) for ADHD.
- The dosage and type of medication should be adjusted according to clinical indications on an ongoing basis.
ADHD treatment
ADHD cannot be cured. This disorder is treated by managing its symptoms and minimising the difficulties it can cause. Drugs, therapy, or a combination of the two can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Self-management skills are also an important part of dealing with adult ADHD. A few examples of these include eating healthily, exercising regularly, and creating coping strategies (such as colour coding or making lists).
Different forms of therapy are available as treatments. The types of therapy include general talk therapy and marriage or couples counselling (if indicated). Or, commonly, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), where the goal is to identify and change problematic behaviour.
The use of drugs as a treatment is common. It is important to note, however, that these are usually part of a long-term treatment program that includes therapy.
Results of ADHD treatment
Patient feedback about the positive effects of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:
- Felt much calmer in my head, much more serene. I was less fidgety, less anxious.
- I am able to deal with my son calmly without anger outbursts.
- My day was filled with boring tasks!
- “I’m on my way to regaining my mojo.
- After I began treatment, my life has changed drastically. Instead of existing, I feel like a man again, confident, calm, able, and motivated.
The typical treatment plan for ADHD is as follows:
ADHD assessments take about 90 minutes on average. It can sometimes take an hour to complete this task.
On average, we allocate 90 minutes per day. When ADHD is assessed early on, it may be obvious that it is not the main issue, or that other symptoms may be present that are unrelated to ADHD.
As a result, a full ADHD assessment will not be required, and the fee can be adjusted accordingly and fairly in agreement with the patient in such situations.
The following is a typical treatment plan for a situation where treatment is effective and stable (more complex situations may require more attendances):
90-minute initial assessment – £2240 (1-month prescription included, plus follow-up appointment of 20 minutes).
An appointment fee of £230-£300 is charged after 28 days (prescription included if needed).
If stable review in 1-2 months £230-£300 (1-2 months prescription included in appointment fee where appropriate).
After that, you will receive a prescription for two months without an appointment for £150.
Then every 4-6 months, either over ZOOM/SKYPE or in person (two-month prescriptions will be provided at each visit). £230-£300 per consultation.
Every two months (where appropriate) and as needed, prescriptions are ordered, sent by post or collected for £150.
When the patient is stable, prescriptions can be provided through Primary Care with 3 or 4 months of private review of £230-£300 (which can also include ZOOM/SKYPE or telephone consultations).
Private medication costs to the pharmacist are not included in any of the above. They typically are as follows:
Medication for ADHD
Adults with ADHD can be diagnosed by our experts
The following US medications are available on prescription in the UK: Elvanse, Ritalin (Methylphenidate), ConcertaXL (Equasym XL, Medikinet SR), Dexamphetamine (Dexedrine) and Adderall. There is no XR form of Adderall available in the UK, so the cost of the drug is disproportionately high (£350-450 for 28 days). The cost of Elvanse is approximately £90 – £130 per month. At a monthly cost of £70-120, other medications are more affordable.
It is not possible to use a UK prescription in the USA. If there is a reason for a large amount (i.e. travel), up to three months can be dispensed in one dose at most UK pharmacies (usually 28 days at a time). International borders do not restrict the importation of three months’ supply.
Administration of Elvanse
Some individuals have reported improvements in focus and reduced procrastination with treatment. Results vary, and it is important to consult a qualified mental health professional.