
SERVICES
ADHD ASSESSMENT CLINIC
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be characterised by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and/or impulsivity which impact on functioning. ADHD can also present with other issues which can be impairing and challenging for young people and families. This can include self esteem, learning problems, mood changes, relationship issues and anxiety. Females and males can also present differently and we take care in our assessments to consider all factors which may contribute towards the difficulties experienced by the child or young person.
IN SUMMARY AN ADHD ASSESSMENT WILL INCLUDE:
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Screening questionnaires sent out for the patient, family and school to complete. Review of education liaison form and also any previous school, psychology or medical reports.
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A detailed interview about the problems as well as any other problems.
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A full clinical assessment with the child or young person.
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An interview with a family member who knows the child well.
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A comprehensive ADHD assessment report, provided to you and the referrer.
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A feedback session, providing psychoeducation and information regarding recommendations. Post diagnostic support includes psychoeducation, lifestyle management, parenting sessions, occupational therapy, psychological sessions and medication, if indicated.
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With prescribing, this is always in addition to other recommendations and strategies. Eleos Clinic empowers patients to find the best skills to manage their symptoms and through our experience, we recognise that medication can unlock the potential for many people however this should be alongside other helpful tools - taking a more holistic approach to treatment.
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Prescribing involves understanding the child or young person's medical history, taking in consideration the symptoms profile and discussing the various options available. A physical exam and/or physical health monitoring will be required before prescribing takes place and will be discussed in the review session. This is the ensure that safe prescribing takes place and treatment is optimised for the benefit of the patient.
We provide comprehensive ADHD assessments which includes information from school and home settings. If there have been previous assessments or interventions, we would like to understand these further and review this as part of the assessment process. We also provide second opinions. We see all children and young people and complete assessments to understand the young person's strengths and difficulties. We can book in a one stop clinical assessment and provide a treatment plan on the same day for most children and young people. We use a variety of questionnaires and validated tools to help in the diagnostic assessment. In older adolescents, we use specialist assessment questionnaires for young people who are 18+ in age.
This conversation can be completed virtually or in person. Our ADHD assessment process is detailed and can take up to two or three hours of talking to the child, young person and family, in addition to review of questionnaires and other reports. In the sesssion, our doctor will speak to the child or young person and also their family members together and also separately. This helps to build a picture of the challenges and also to understand the strengths, in addition to how the symptoms affect the the child's life.
After the assessment, an ADHD report with recommendations will be completed. It will be shared via a secure link. Eleos Clinic recommends that this report is shared with the GP, school and other people in the young person's life to help them understand more about the difficulties and help implement the strategies. A full diagnosis, whether this confirms ADHD or any other problem, instead or as well as, is discussed in the follow up appointment. This appointment is important as there will be discussion regarding evidence based treatments and interventions for ADHD (if this confirmed) and also about any other issues which have been identified through the assessment.
We provide a formulation which is a shared understanding of the difficulties the child or young person is experiencing, using the words of the patient and will lead to recommendations which are tailored and bespoke for the patient. We value that everyone has their own unique differences and lifestyle. Our aim is to help people understand how their brain works and what they can do to help improve their lives and shine their light. There is an emphasis on practical strategies which can be implemented at home and in the education setting.
