Logo
02079292520 Talk to us today

Are you rushing work through just before the deadline, and making careless mistakes along the way?

Are you struggling to focus on tasks in your job or at home?

Do you constantly feel restless, and find it hard to relax?

Is losing and misplacing your phone or your keys causing you to be late for your engagements?

If so, perhaps you should consider an ADHD assessment.

Long Waitiiiiiiinnnnngggg
Time …

Many individuals face long wait times for ADHD assessments and treatment. These delays can have significant consequences, including increased stress, impaired academic or work performance, and strained relationships. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing ADHD effectively and minimizing its impact on daily life.

ADHD Information

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a common mental health problem that is thought to affect around 4% of people in the UK1. Symptoms begin in early childhood, but can often be missed or masked, leading to difficulties in adult life. Over 80% of people living with ADHD are undiagnosed, accounting for around 2 million people in the UK 2.

The impacts of ADHD can sometimes be dismissed as minor. However, untreated, this condition is associated with higher rates of obesity, poorer educational performance, and low self-esteem.3

Fortunately, there is an increasing awareness of this disorder in our society, leading to many more people seeking assessment and treatment. But this has also led to an increased demand on services, with some parts of the country experiencing 10 year waiting lists for assessments.4

This is particularly frustrating when highly effective treatments exist for ADHD, with response rates of around 70% 5. The team at Eton Psychiatrists want to be part of the solution of lowering wait times for individuals, as well as being able to deliver effective treatments promptly, to those that need it.

Common Misconceptions About ADHD

Not everyone with ADHD needs to have a history of hyperactivity or disruptive behaviour as a child.
Being successful or well educated does not mean that it is not possible for someone to have ADHD.
Being diagnosed with other mental health disorders does not rule out ADHD.
ADHD treatment would not change your personality and creativity.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not just another excuse for being lazy and not caring.

A brief history of ADHD

ADHD symptoms have been recognised and described in literature from around the world for more than 200 years. In the 1790’s Dr Crichton, a Scottish doctor, first recorded a description of symptoms such as poor focus, and children who were more easily distractible than peers. But it wasn’t until 1902, when Sir George Still gave a series of lectures and case reports that the modern diagnostic criteria for ADHD began to develop. He described 15 boys and 5 girls of normal IQ who were impulsive, unable to concentrate, and lacked self-control.

In 1937, Dr Bradley first used stimulants in children to improve academic performance for those with hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin and Concerta) became available in 1944. It is now recognised that ADHD can present with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or a combination of the two.

What causes ADHD?

The cause of ADHD is not known. However, neuroimaging studies have shown that there are differences in the brains of children with ADHD, compared to their peers. These differences are seen in children as young three. This strongly implies either genetic causes, or factors in pregnancy, and very early life, which may cause the condition.

ADHD has been shown to be associated with:

Lifestyle advice for ADHD

Assessment Journey

assesment

Your Initial Inquiry

assesment

Pre-assessment

assesment

ADHD diagnostic assesment and treatment discussion (90 - 120 minutes)

assesment

ADHD diagnostic assesment (60 - 90 minutes)

assesment

Post Diagnostic Support

assesment

Treatment discussion appointment (30 minutes)

assesment

Treatment

Treatment Journey

assesment

Assessment conducted at Eton Psychiatrists

assesment

Assessment conducted at ADHD diagnosis given at another clinic (45 - 60 minutes)

assesment

Your first ADHD medication prescription

assesment

Medication review appointments (20-30 minutes)

assesment

Shared Care Agreement

A list of useful resources

References

1. National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (2024). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: How common is it? 2. ADHD UK (Undated). ADHD UK – Percentage Diagnosed vs Undiagnosed 3. Shaw M. et al. (2012). A systematic review and analysis of long-term outcomes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: effects of treatment and non-treatment. BMC Med. 2012; 10: 99. 4. ADHD UK (2023). ADHD UK’s Report into NHS ADHD Assessment Waiting Lists October 2023 5. Kolar, S. et al. (2008). Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008 Apr; 4(2): 389–403.