ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder
that impacts an persons ability to focus, control impulses, and regulate their behaviour. People with ADHD may struggle with paying attention, staying organized, and managing their emotions. It can affect people of all ages and can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, and academic or occupational performance.
With the right support, including therapy, medication, and behavioural strategies,
individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive.
At The Happy Synapse Company, we start with a pre assessment ASRS v1.1 online self assessment to help indicate whether a full assessment is needed. We can also arrange a QbCheck in clinic or online, a valuable additional tool recognised and recommended by NICE.
If indicated, we complete a full psychiatric assessment focused on ADHD using DIVA 5 for adults and Young DIVA 5 for children and adolescents. We also use rating scales and questionnaires to gather information from parents, teachers, and others who know the patient well. Using multiple sources helps us make an accurate diagnosis, guide treatment and support, and explore differential diagnoses to rule out other conditions before confirming ADHD.
Assessment length varies, but typically takes 1 to 3 hours and may include interviews plus questionnaires and cognitive testing.
At The Happy Synapse Company, we support patients and families in understanding and adjusting to the diagnosis. Whether the outcome is a positive diagnosis or not, this process can be emotionally challenging, as ADHD is a recognised disability.
For children and adolescents, we provide detailed reports to support Educational Health Care Plan applications, outlining individual needs and recommended interventions to support learning and development. We can also assist with applications for Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment where appropriate, helping families access financial support for ongoing care and resources.
For adults, we provide workplace reports that outline reasonable adjustments and support needed to perform effectively and progress in their career.
We also work collaboratively with General Practitioners who are open to shared care arrangements, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care that addresses physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
Our aim is to provide practical, ongoing support so individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.
Medication is often considered the best treatment for ADHD, as it can help alleviate symptoms and improve focus, attention, and impulse control. Stimulant medications like Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed for ADHD, but non-stimulant options like Strattera may also be effective for some individuals. Its important to work with your prescriber to find the right medication and dosage that works best for you or your loved one with ADHD. Additionally, medication should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as therapy and lifestyle modifications, for optimal management of ADHD symptoms.
This type of therapy focuses on teaching individuals with
ADHD strategies to improve their behavior, organisation, and time management
skills. Behavioral therapy can be effective for both children and adults and can help individuals develop coping mechanisms for managing their symptoms.
For children with ADHD, parent training programs can be helpful in teaching parents strategies for managing their child’s behaviour and improving communication. These programs can help parents set clear expectations, establish routines, and provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviours.
Education about ADHD and support from family, friends, and healthcare providers can be crucial in managing the symptoms of ADHD.
Support groups and counselling can also provide individuals with ADHD with a sense of community and understanding.
It is important to work closely with us to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for ADHD. Every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. By exploring different treatment options and finding the right combination of therapies, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental
disorder commonly characterised by signs and symptoms of hyperactivity,
inattentiveness, impulsivity or a combination of all.
Inattentive: When symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity/impulsivity, have been present for at least six months
Hyperactive/Impulsive: When symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, but not inattention, have been present for at least six months
Combination: When symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, have been present for at least six months
For children with ADHD, parent training programs can be helpful in teaching parents strategies for managing their child’s behaviour and improving communication. These programs can help parents set clear expectations, establish routines, and provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviours.
Following your child’s ADHD assessment we will send you, via secure email, a detailed report from your Consultant Psychiatrist, outlining any diagnosis and treatment plan details.
You should receive this within 2-3 weeks of your assessment.
If your child’s treatment plan recommends a trial of medication, then we will outline any baseline health checks that are required (such as blood pressure, pulse, weight, blood tests, ECG or a cardiovascular examination) that can be booked with your GP practice and returned to us for your consultant to review before your first follow-up
appointment is offered.*
If they are initiated on a medication trial, they will usually require on average
between 3-6 follow-up appointments to reach the correct dose. NICE and GMC
guidelines recommend a review by a specialist after each dose titration for safe
prescribing practice.
During the follow-up appointment, your Consultant Psychiatrist will monitor your
child’s response to treatment, any adverse side effects, physical observations (BP,
pulse and weight). They will communicate with your GP informing them of your
progress as per GMC guidelines on safe prescribing. Clients will be required to pay
for follow-up appointments and private prescriptions fees during this time.
Once your child is established on a stable medication regime, we can set up a
shared care agreement with a GP, if they are willing to accept. We have standard
protocol documents for this procedure. At this stage, your GP would then take over the prescribing of any medication. This would mean that your prescription would then become an NHS prescription and charged at their lower, standard rate.
[*Please note we cannot guarantee a Shared Care arrangement with your GP, but
most of our clients that go down the medication route do end up on shared care. We would advise you to discuss this with your GP in advance.]
Your Consultant Psychiatrist will note any reasonable adjustments they feel
necessary for school, college or university in your assessment letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will usually enable you to have access to extra support in school and form part of your child’s EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan)This is developed to ensure that a child with an identified disability who is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialised instruction and access to related services.
