Frequently Asked Questions
About ADHD

There is no single medical or physical test for ADHD; it is instead diagnosed via an evaluation from an ADHD psychiatrist professional.

At Private ADHD, we ask several questions and review your medical history and lifestyle factors when we determine if our patient has ADHD during our consultation.

ADHD is 100% a  real brain disorder with genetic elements; if you have ADHD, then there is an 85% chance  someone in your family has it, too. 
Research shows that ADHD comes from a chemical imbalance in the brain or neurotransmitters.

People who suffer from ADHD are some of the most intelligent people in the world; if you think you have ADHD, you are not lazy; your brain just works differently.

Yes, ADHD is a serious illness and can have a serious effect on someone's life; perhaps one of the most concerning side effects of ADHD is how it can cause other mental illnesses to manifest, such as depression and anxiety.

ADHD is, without a doubt, misunderstood as a mild illness, which it is not for some people.

Doctors are still unsure what the main cause of ADHD is. It’s thought to be a combination of several factors that can cause this disorder from an early age, such as genetics, suffering a brain injury, prenatal care and childhood trauma.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of individuals globally. The causes of ADHD are multifactorial and include a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Research indicates that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD, with hereditary factors accounting for approximately 75% of cases. Environmental influences, such as prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, or stress, also contribute to the risk of developing ADHD. Additionally, premature birth and low birth weight have been identified as potential risk factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of ADHD, enabling better support and interventions for those affected by this condition.

ADHD can have various symptoms; the three most common adult ADHD symptoms are impulsivity, disorganisation and inattention. However even if you don’t have all 3 symptoms, you could still have ADHD.

People living with ADHD tend to struggle with frequently losing things, being late, overthinking, impatience, getting distracted and restlessness.

There has been a recent surge in the amount of females getting diagnosed with ADHD, although there are still so many yet to receive the help and support they so greatly need. Some common symptoms are problems focusing, overspending, indecisiveness, problems listening and poor organisation.

At PrivateADHD, we create bespoke personalised treatment plans for individuals suffering from ADHD; this treatment typically consists of psychotherapy, medication and holistic lifestyle changes.

Medication is recommended as the first-line treatment in ADHD for adults and certain age groups in childrenwith clinically significant impairment in their life (NICE, 2008). Any medication must be considered carefullyalong with any health concerns or other issues that would contraindicate a trial of medication. Given your level of impairment, consideration of a trial of medication would be appropriate to see if this would assist you with your ADHD symptoms. Medications have been found to improve attention span, taskcompletion and self-organisation, whilst reducing impulsivity, distractibility, and restlessness.

Please find a video link here on medications and ADHD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcTXHy35nWE If you have concerns about taking medications for ADHD, you will have the opportunity to discuss this withan ADHD Specialist. There are many myths about treatment. Treatment carries fewer risks than not takingtreatment.Please find a useful video discussing common myths around ADHD medication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCIT0YbNSCU Life with unrecognised ADHD often leads to mental health problems. It is important to consider the impact ofthese as well as ADHD on wellbeing. Treatment with medication will likely improve your symptoms of ADHDand this can change how other issues impact on your wellbeing.

Safety Notice: ADHD medications can sometimes be unsafe for individuals with pre-existing heartconditions. Therefore, an interim evaluation, such as an ECG, may be required from your GP (youwill be advised if you need these investigations). If needed, we can recommend private GPs in your area who offer fast turnaround times.

Treatment Plan and Costs:

‍Medication Titration and Psychoeducation Appointments:
During the titration and optimisation phase (typically between 3-6 months depending on the response), attending monthly appointments and submitting your blood pressure readings is required. The fee is £245 per month/ per appointment during this period.

Medication Costs: Please note that the cost of medication is not included in our fees. The average monthly cost from our recommended third-party pharmacies, which offer same-day in London and next-day delivery to your preferred location via DPD is £65 (varies on type or dosage) Once stable and optimised ( no change in dosage for 3 months): The fee is reduced to £95 per month for prescribing and monitoring.

Shared care agreements- We offer shared care agreements for £150 once stable and optimised

ADHD can change as you get older, but it doesn’t get ‘worse’. ADHD symptoms can change and wax and wane with changes in the demands and stresses of life. People find that at some points in their life they require more aggressive treatment than at other points. One might find that symptoms seem worse since you get faced with more challenges and responsibilities as an adult with ADHD.