ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms:

Inattention	Hyperactivity	Impulsivity
A person may have difficulty staying on task, sustaining focus, and staying organised, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.	A person may seem to move about constantly, including in situations when it is not appropriate, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, hyperactivity may mean extreme restlessness or talking too much.	A person may act without thinking or have difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity could also include a desire for immediate rewards or the inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may interrupt others or make important decisions without considering long-term consequences.

What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?

Some people with ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention. Others mostly have symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some people have both types of symptoms.
Many people experience some inattention, unfocused motor activity, and impulsivity, but for people with ADHD, these behaviours:

• • Are more severe.
• • Occur more often.
• • Interfere with or reduce the quality of how they function socially, at school, or in a job.

For a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person’s functioning, and cause the person to fall behind typical development for their age. Stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms.

How is ADHD treated?

While there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments may reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.

ADHD Referral Pathway at Regent Street Clinic

Here at Regent Street Clinic, we pride ourselves in an effective diagnosis and referral pathway for those suffering with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

At present, we understand the pressures on the NHS causing a backlog within timescales of effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD which are now reaching highs of 6 years.

The medical team at Regent Street Clinic have successfully derived a pathway which ensures we can offer a service with a 2–3-week time scale for diagnosis and management.

Patient Enquiry

You can enquire about our service on 0115 947 5498 where one of our friendly team can explain your suitability for the ADHA pathway we offer.

• 1. We will give basic information over the phone including cost, suitability etc.
• 2. You will attend one of our UK clinics in-person for a workup assessment including screening blood tests.
• 3. One of our medical team will refer you to a consultant psychiatrist on the first day you are seen at the clinic for expedition.
• 4. Blood tests and screening assessment results will be reviewed by the Regent Street Clinic medical team one week later and will be discussed with you via telephone consultation.
• 5. The consultant psychiatrist appointment for assessment will be within 2 weeks of your initial appointment. Where you will undertake a virtual appointment via video link with a consultant psychiatrist with a special interest in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• 6. If commenced on a pharmacological treatment programme of titration for methylphenidate, then you will be seen monthly by the psychiatry team for 3 months, before being referred back to your NHS GP for shared long-term care and annual reviews.

Please note we offer patients including children from ages 5 and upwards. A full assessment will only be given to children aged 13 and above, however children aged 5-13 can be referred to consultant psychiatrists for monitoring.