What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and how is it diagnosed and treated? The experts from Makewell Mental Health Services explain
What is ADHD and what causes it?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is observed to interfere with a person’s functioning and development across at least two environments. Individuals can display inappropriate levels of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Although the exact cause of ADHD is unknown; research has suggested that prenatal exposures, prematurity, having a low birth weight, significant head injuries and genetics may play a role in ADHD.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, for example when they start school.
Symptoms can improve with age, but some individuals may continue to experience significant symptoms throughout adult life.
What are the common treatments?
Management of behaviours can include but are not limited to psycho education and cognitive behavioural programmes. Including ADHD coaching and mentoring.
ADHD is also commonly treated using medication, if a patient elects to treat their symptoms with medication, certain baseline physical checks will be required prior to starting medication. Other physical assessments may also be required.
How can Makewell Mental Health Services help with assessments?
Makewell offers comprehensive assessments for ADHD and Autism for children and adults. These can be offered in conjunction or individually.
The Autism Assessment will include an ADOS-2 assessment and an ADI-R interview, which is a comprehensive, structured interview focusing on behaviour in three main areas, reciprocal social interaction, communication and language, and restricted and repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviours, that are in line with the ICD and DSM.
How are ADHD assessments done?
ADHD assessments are completed face-to-face in our clinic for children. Adult assessments can be completed online or face-to-face.
The assessments include the completion of pre-questionnaires, screening tools and psychometric tests. A QB test will also be carried out. And the clinical structured interview/assessment.
Children will need to be accompanied by an appropriate adult to contribute toward the assessment.
We suggest that adults being assessed be accompanied by a parent/family member or someone who can help with the childhood history.
All our assessments will be discussed within our multi-disciplinary team meeting, to review all the information gathered and reviewed alongside the DSM-V diagnostic criteria.
At what age are ADHD assessments useful?
We often suggest that ADHD not be assessed until age 5 due to developmental milestones and school engagement, but considerations will be given on an individual basis.
Where is Makewell Clinic located and what is its story?
Makewell Clinic is located at The Gatehouse, Alston Dr, Milton Keynes MK13 9AP. Through personal experiences of attempting to access diagnostic services across England, Jane Lambert (CEO) and Sophie McCracken (COO), who are sisters, collaborated to create more accessible healthcare at a time when necessary. The aim is to keep waiting times down while our patients receive the best service with a holistic approach for all their needs.
How do I find out more about Makewell Mental Health Services?
You can find more information on https://wemakewell.co.uk/ or contact us on 01908 731293.
References:
Magnus, W., Nazir, S., Anilkumar, A. C., & Shaban, K. (2022). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
