Private Child and Adolescent ADHD assessments and treatments.

We’ll send you two forms to complete. One for you to fill out and another for someone who knew you well as a child. These forms help us to gather a comprehensive understanding of your experiences from birth to now. The greater depth of information we gain here the more comprehensive the assessment process.

We are the only ADHD clinic who will also send you a blood pressure monitor. Why do we send you this? Because it’s really important that your assessment and any future treatment is completely personal to you. These readings are vital to us achieving an accurate assessment for you as an individual. If you have any problems taking your readings, we can help.

Part of our assessment process is a Computerised ADHD symptom test called a QbCheck. The QbCheck objectively measures symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, comparing your scores against individuals matched for age and gender who do not have ADHD. As well as helping us with your diagnosis, we’ll also use these scores to monitor improvement in symptoms if you choose to sign up to our medication care plan.

We also undertake an Objective ADHD Symptom test. The Browns Executive Function and Attention Scale provides further quantifiable data which will aid our understanding of your ADHD symptoms and their severity. We’ll repeat this to ascertain what progress you’ve made if you commence a medication care plan with us.

One of our specialist ADHD nurse practitioners will meet with you (in person or online) to complete the DIVA 5 interview. This validated assessment seeks to understand which of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD you fulfil by asking questions about symptoms experienced in childhood and if relevant into adulthood. We will cover symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsively and we’ll look at the impact these have had on you and your life.

You will meet one of our dedicated psychiatrists who will draw together all the information gathered so far and complete a comprehensive assessment of your difficulties. They will ask questions regarding your physical and mental health history, your experience of friendships, relationships, school and work if applicable. The psychiatrist will let you know if you meet the criteria for diagnosis during this meeting. They will ensure you understand ADHD and the impact this might have on your life. They will explain your treatment options in full and answer any questions you may have.

Following your assessment, we will provide you with a comprehensive assessment report. This report may be used to support PIP or disability student allowance if required. If you receive a diagnosis, we will also provide letters for your academic provider or employer suggesting reasonable adjustments. If you are not diagnosed, your psychiatrist will explain why and may consider alternative mental health conditions or recommend further assessments as appropriate.

We understand that receiving a diagnosis of any kind can be difficult. For this reason, if you are diagnosed, one of our specialist ADHD nurses will meet with you to offer you a space to reflect on the diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. Our nurses will explain medication in detail as well as what you can expect if you sign up to our medication care plan.

If you decide to sign up for our medication care plan, we will ensure that you receive ongoing reviews and support from our specialist ADHD nurse practitioners on a monthly basis, with calls in between should you need them from a dedicated patient co-ordinator who can answer your concerns or interlink with the clinical team if required. Our team of skilled clinicians will ensure this runs smoothly with prescribed medication being delivered straight to your door.

Once optimised on the medication you’ll be reviewed again by one of our psychiatrists before either requesting shared care from your GP or signing up to our ongoing medication care pathway whereby you will continue to receive your medication and will meet annually to review your progress.

If you choose to sign up to our medication care pathway, you will be under the care of Beyond for 6 months. At the end of this period, you may wish to transfer your care to your GP. Please note: whilst many GPs will facilitate a transfer of care for ADHD, some may not. We recommend that you check with your GP whether this is a service that they offer. If not, another GP may be able to help, or of course, you are welcome to continue under the care of Beyond for as long as you wish.