Private ADHD assessments and treatment for Adults

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for Adults

MUMS Consultant Psychiatrist – Dr Ursula Doerry offers private ADHD assessments, diagnosis, and treatment for Adults (for Children please see here)

ADHD is a common disorder, that can cause significant impairment of functioning. Unfortunately, it is frequently missed, and many adults develop other mental health problems. Having the diagnosis can lead to better understanding and opens the possibility of treatment.

MUMS – has been an established, reliable, and trusted private healthcare provider in the Midlands for over two decades. Our Consultants offer discretion and compassion and a truly holistic and comprehensive Adult ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment service including follow up and shared care where needed.

Why should I choose MUMS  to be assessed for ADHD as an adult?

You will be seen by Dr Doerry, a highly qualified and experienced professional (Consultant Psychiatrist) who has worked in the NHS for many years.  The assessment process is robust and follows NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidelines.  

At MUMS assessments take place face to face, which leads to a higher quality assessment. Prices at MUMS are competitive and the ongoing cost for treatment is low. Please see How much is the cost of private ADHD assessment and treatment for factors to consider.

The process of adult ADHD assessment and treatment at MUMS

MUMS comprehensive guide below outlines everything you need to know about getting assessed for ADHD, including what to expect at each step of the process.

ADHD diagnostic assessment

For most patients it is possible to complete the assessment in one appointment

1. Book appointment:

You book an appointment and pay a deposit

2. Questionnaires:

You will be sent several questionnaires to complete and asked to provide any additional information that you might have. The more detail you provide the easier it is for Dr Doerry to decide whether an ADHD assessment is appropriate. You need to return the questionnaires as soon as possible usually at least 2 weeks prior to the appointment

3. Review of questionnaires:

Dr Doerry will review the questionnaires. If the information is sufficient the appointment will go ahead as planned. If the information is not sufficient Dr Doerry will contact you to discuss the options

4. Assessment appointment:

The assessment appointment lasts for about 90 minutes.  It is best if you attend the appointment with someone who knows you well, but you can also attend the appointment on your own.

During the appointment you will be asked about your current concerns and your history. The aim is to do a holistic assessment difficulties, decide whether a diagnosis is appropriate and identify contributing factors. Dr Doerry also screens for other developmental disorders (like autism) and other mental health disorders.

5. ADHD assessment report

Following the appointment, a detailed assessment letter will be sent to you. If a diagnosis is made and you request this, information about medication options will be included in the assessment letter

QB check

This is an additional service that you may want to book prior to the assessment, or we might recommend as an additional tool if there is clinical uncertainty. It is not required to make a diagnosis, but we offer it at MUMS to increase the robustness of the diagnosis.  We don’t use it routinely to minimise the cost for patients

A QB check uses computerised tasks to assess concentration, movement and impulsivity using age- and gender-matched comparisons.

It takes about half an hour and is administered by one of the health care assistants. The doctor interprets the report and will explain the findings to you. You will be given a copy of the report.

ADHD medication treatment 

Process at MUMS if you want to consider stimulant medication treatment:

Please read this carefully and consider whether you can commit to long term private medication treatment as NHS waits are often very long

1. ADHD starting medication consultation:

Following your diagnosis of ADHD you need to book an ADHD starting medication appointment. During this appointment medication options, effects and side effects are discussed, and basic measurements are taken (Blood pressure, pulse, height and weight)

2. ADHD medication titration

At home you need to monitor how you are responding to the medication and observe effect and possible side effects. You also need to measure your blood pressure and pulse.  The same monitoring is required after each dose increase

You need to complete a form sent to you by MUMS to obtain further prescriptions.

If you want to discuss the effect of the medication in more detail, you can either book a 10-minute telephone review or a face-to-face review appointment

3. ADHD medication reviews:

You need to attend a face-to-face review appointments after 3 months and then every 6 months if you want to continue the medication (this is necessary even if your GP has agreed to a shared care protocol)

General information about ADHD medication treatment:

• Stimulants are the first choice for medication treatment for ADHD. These medications can only be initiated by specialists and require dose titration and monitoring.
• Stimulants are controlled drugs; in private practice a specialist ‘pink’ prescription pad is required, and all prescriptions are monitored by NHS England. The rules state that only 30 days of medication can usually be prescribed at one time.
• At MUMS we try to keep the cost down for patients, but there is likely to be an ongoing cost for patients until treatment is taken over by the specialist NHS service. You also need to consider the cost of the medication.  Pharmacies set their own prices, so it makes sense to enquire at several pharmacies. GPs sometimes prescribe under a shared care agreement if the patient is on a stable dose, however you will need to continue to attend for follow-up appointments.

Shared care with GPs

Some GPs will agree to take over prescribing of the medication once you are on a stable dose. This saves you the cost for prescriptions and the cost for the medication. You will still need to attend appointments at MUMS at least every 6 months.

How to arrange shared care:

1. MUMS will send you the shared care protocol.
2. You need to take the protocol and all the letters that you have received from MUMS to your GP and discuss whether they are willing to prescribe medication under this protocol.
3. Once your GP has agreed you need to send us your GPs email address and your NHS number. We need to be able to communicate directly with your GP.
4. MUMS will send your GP an up-to-date clinic letter, the shared care protocol, and the signed shared care form. This process has a fee (please see information on pricing)
5. Your GP returns the signed form to MUMS and starts prescribing.

Fees for Adult ADHD assessment and treatment at MUMS

• Clinical Assessment: £ 950
• Deposit: £ 450
• Fee for the review of questionnaires: £200 (If you cancel the appointment after the questionnaire have been reviewed and more than 24 hours before the appointment time you will receive £250 of your deposit back)
• Balance: £500 to be paid at the arrival of the appointment
• QB check £225
• ADHD starting medication consultation £230
• ADHD follow up appointment: £150
• ADHD telephone review: £70
• ADHD repeat prescription fee £30 (If prescription is given outside an appointment)