ADHD Assessment London - Understanding ADHD & the Assessment Journey

At MindAlign, ADHD assessments are conducted by Dr. McBrien, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, employing a comprehensive clinical assessment approach that aligns with the principles of a NICE-recommended ADHD assessment.  

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact a young person's development, learning, relationships, and daily functioning.  

The diagnosis of ADHD is primarily clinical. While questionnaires play a vital role in the assessment process, they cannot independently diagnose ADHD. The evaluation encompasses the young person's developmental history, current challenges, functioning in various environments, and the potential influence of other conditions or situations that may explain or exacerbate their difficulties.  

**What does an ADHD assessment involve?**  

1. **Initial consultation**  

The assessment journey starts with an in-depth consultation with the young individual and their parent or carer. This session delves into various areas, including:  

   - Attention, concentration, and organization  

   - Activity levels and impulsiveness  

   - Emotional and behavioral development  

   - Learning and school performance  

   - Social relationships and developmental progress  

   - Sleep patterns and physical health  

   - Family and developmental history  

   - Mental health issues such as anxiety or low mood  

Information from both the young person and their parent or carer will be considered where relevant.  

2. **Questionnaires and school information**  

Following the initial consultation, standardised questionnaires may be requested from the young person, their parent/carer, and their school. These may include the Conners and CADDRA questionnaires, alongside other rating scales deemed clinically relevant.  

School information proves particularly valuable, as ADHD assessments take into account difficulties and impairments across various settings. Thus, questionnaires contribute to the overall evidence base rather than serving as stand-alone diagnostic tools.  

3. **Outcome and formulation**  

A subsequent consultation is conducted to review the collected information, including questionnaire results and school insights. This session affords the opportunity to discuss if the clinical criteria for ADHD are met, consider any co-existing or alternative difficulties, and outline the clinical formulation while agreeing on suitable next steps.  

It's essential to note that not every child or young person referred for an ADHD assessment will necessarily meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The intent of a comprehensive assessment is to accurately understand the difficulties and identify the most suitable support.  

**What else is considered?**  

ADHD can often co-occur with other challenges. The assessment process accounts for any difficulties that may be linked with or occur alongside:  

   - Anxiety or depression  

   - Sleep issues  

   - Autism spectrum disorders  

   - Learning difficulties  

   - Trauma-related issues  

   - Other neurodevelopmental conditions  

   - Additional emotional or mental health challenges  

This thorough assessment ensures that treatment and support are focused on the genuine needs of the young person.  

**ADHD is more than simply being distracted**  

ADHD transcends being merely a motivation issue, laziness, or poor parenting. Difficulties can involve the regulation of attention, activity, impulses, and essential executive functions like planning, organizing, initiating tasks, working towards long-term goals, and self-management.  

For some children and young people, particularly those who are academically skilled or who have established effective coping mechanisms, these challenges may not be readily apparent when demands are low. However, they frequently become more visible as expectations for independence, organization, and self-management increase.  

**What happens if ADHD is diagnosed?**  

After the assessment, treatment options are discussed with the young person and their family. Depending on individual circumstances, this may include psychological or behavioral strategies, educational support, practical techniques, and/or medication.  

When medication is deemed appropriate, it is introduced cautiously and evaluated for effectiveness, potential side effects, physical health impact, and the young person's overall functioning. Medication is typically adjusted gradually until the most suitable treatment and dosage are established.  

**Physical health monitoring**  

Monitoring physical health is a critical component of ADHD medication management. Routine assessments of blood pressure, pulse, weight, and height are conducted before starting medication and may be monitored throughout the treatment duration. Updated measurements are crucial when medication adjustments are necessary and for ongoing prescribing.  

For remote consultations, families may acquire these measurements from their GP, community pharmacy, or another qualified healthcare professional.  

**Shared Care with your GP**  

Once ADHD medication has been properly established and the treatment is clinically stable, a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) may be arranged with the young person's GP.  

Shared care enables the GP to continue prescribing and monitoring after specialist assessment, initiation, and stabilization of treatment. It's important to note that this arrangement is not automatic; the GP must agree to the shared-care plan after the specialist has stabilized the medication. Each GP practice may have different procedures or requirements, so families are recommended to discuss this with their GP in advance. Until the shared care is officially accepted, the specialist retains responsibility for prescribing.  

Even with an SCA in place, ongoing specialist oversight is crucial in ADHD treatment. Regular specialist reviews are typically performed to evaluate treatment effectiveness, tolerability, physical health, adherence, overall functioning, and ongoing clinical needs.  

**How long does the process take?**  

The assessment journey involves more than a single appointment; gathering and reviewing information from the young person, family, and school is essential before arriving at a clinical conclusion.  

The exact pathway will vary based on individual circumstances and the information at hand.  

**Fees and further information**  

Fees vary according to the type and duration of appointments and whether assessment, medication treatment, or ongoing specialist review is required.  

Please reach out to the MindAlign team for current fees and details on arranging an ADHD assessment.  

The practice's comprehensive Terms & Conditions are available separately and should be reviewed before proceeding with any assessment or treatment.  

**Contact MindAlign**  

Dr. McBrien, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist  

MindAlign  

11–19 Lisson Grove  

London NW1 6SH  

PA: 07933 724883  

Email: admin@mind-align.com