What is Adult ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or of hyperactivity and impulsivity , with onset typically during early to middle childhood.
Our understanding of adult ADHD has only properly been advancing since the 1980s. Before then, very few people were even aware that many of the symptoms could and in fact usually do continue to some degree into adulthood. Worldwide studies now show that up to 5% of the adult population struggle with Adult ADHD. However, the good news is that in most cases it is highly treatable.
There are three recognised types of ADHD in adults:
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Inattentive: When symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity/impulsivity, have been present for at least six months
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Hyperactive/Impulsive: When symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, but not inattention, have been present for at least six months
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Combination: When symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, have been present for at least six months
Do I have Adult ADHD?
Even if you were never diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as a child, that does not mean that you cannot be affected by the symptoms as an adult.
Many people with undiagnosed childhood ADHD will seek an ADHD diagnosis and treatment in adulthood because that is when the symptoms start to affect their lives in different, and often more troubling and detrimental ways.
If you feel that lack of focus, changeable moods and/or impulsive behaviour are affecting your personal and professional life, an Adult ADHD assessment could provide you with clarity and access to a variety of pharmacological and psychological treatments.
What is involved in an Adult ADHD Assessment?
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First you will be sent a number of pre-assessment questionnaires. You will be sent three questionnaires about ADHD symptoms for you to fill out - one relating to childhood symptoms, one to current symptoms, and one to the degree of impairment these symptoms cause you in different areas of your life (Weiss - FIS). You will also be sent a questionnaire for you to fill in relating to symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (AQ) as this often co-exists with ADHD. If the AQ indicates that autism may be present this will need further investigation. The assessment and diagnosis of autism does not form part of the Adult ADHD Assessment.
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You will be sent two third party questionnaires to be filled out, one by someone who knew you well as a child (often a parent or sibling), and one by someone who knows you well now (often a partner or close friend).
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Finally, you will be sent a questionnaire relating to symptoms of anxiety and depression which may indicate the co-existence of one of these disorders. As this relates to how you have been feeling over the past week it may be sent out separately closer to the time of the diagnostic interview.
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It is also useful if other evidence of symptoms can be provided such as previous psychiatric assessments, school reports or work performance reviews.
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Once the questionnaires have been completed and returned, you will have a diagnostic interview with me which is based around the criteria for ADHD set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which takes around 90 minutes to two hours. It is helpful if one or both of the third parties that filled out your questionnaires can attend too. This can be carried out face-to-face at my practice in Wokingham, or remotely.
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You will then receive a detailed report with your diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
How much does an Adult ADHD Assessment cost?
The cost of the assessment including the report is £895 which is payable on the day of the diagnostic interview.
