ADHD Assessment Edinburgh: Specialist Adult Diagnosis & Treatment Clinic

1. Initial Consultation: A 90-minute comprehensive assessment with our specialist psychiatrist
2. Collateral Information: Review of childhood records and interviews with family members (where possible)
3. Diagnostic Feedback: Clear explanation of findings and diagnosis
4. Treatment Planning: Personalized recommendations for medication and non-pharmaceutical interventions
5. Written Report: Comprehensive documentation of assessment findings and recommendations

What are shared care agreements for ADHD medication, and how do they work?

Shared care agreements are arrangements between ADHDdegree and your NHS GP, allowing your GP to prescribe ADHD medication initially recommended by our specialists. Here’s what you need to know:

• Why consider shared care? NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments can exceed 2-3 years, leading many to seek private diagnoses. Shared care can help manage ongoing medication costs.
• The process:
  1. Complete an assessment with ADHDdegree
  2. We provide a diagnostic report to you and your GP
  3. If appropriate, we manage initial medication titration
  4. Once stabilised, we recommend treatment to your GP
  5. You discuss shared care with your GP
• GP considerations: While many GPs are willing to enter shared care agreements, it’s at their discretion. Some may have concerns about private diagnoses or feel they lack specialist knowledge.
• If shared care isn’t possible: We’ll continue prescribing, but you’ll need to pay for private prescriptions (typically £50-£120 per month).
• NHS Scotland policy: There’s currently no nationwide policy on shared care for ADHD medication following private diagnosis. Practices can vary between health boards and GP surgeries.
• Improving chances of GP agreement:
  • Discuss your intentions before seeking private assessment
  • Ensure your GP receives our comprehensive diagnostic report
  • Highlight that our assessment follows NHS diagnostic standards

ADHDdegree provides ongoing support throughout this process, including detailed reports, clear recommendations, and advice on discussing shared care with your GP.

Remember, while shared care can be beneficial, it’s not guaranteed. We’re committed to finding the best solution for your ADHD management, whether through shared care or continued private treatment.

ADHDdegree offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments specifically tailored for adults with ADHD:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Our specialised ADHD-focused CBT helps manage anxiety and self-criticism by:

• Teaching strategies to identify and challenge negative thought patterns
• Developing practical approaches for executive function challenges
• Building skills to reduce procrastination and improve time management
• Creating ADHD-friendly routines and structures

Mindfulness Techniques – We offer ADHD-adapted mindfulness practices including:

• Brief 5-10 minute exercises designed for the ADHD brain
• Body-scan techniques for stress recognition
• Practical mindful breathing for overwhelm moments
• Active mindfulness strategies that don’t require sitting still

Nutritional Support – Our dietary guidance focuses on:

• Protein-rich meal planning to support neurotransmitter production
• Strategies for stable blood sugar to reduce symptom fluctuations
• Evidence-based supplement recommendations
• Identifying food sensitivities that may worsen ADHD symptoms

Access to Work Scheme – We help eligible clients secure government funding for ADHD coaching:

• Eligibility: Documented ADHD diagnosis + paid employment
• Application: Contact Access to Work (0800 121 7479), complete workplace needs assessment
• Support: Our team provides necessary documentation and application assistance
• Outcome: Potential funding for 6-12 months of specialised coaching

Combined Therapy & Coaching – This integrated approach delivers transformative results:

• Therapy addresses emotional patterns while coaching provides practical strategies
• Clients report significant improvements in workplace performance and personal relationships
• Custom systems work with your unique brain wiring instead of against it
• Comprehensive support that addresses both the “why” and “how” of ADHD management

Our specialists create personalised support plans following your ADHD assessment Edinburgh appointment, ensuring you receive the most effective combination of these approaches for your specific needs.

The current situation with NHS ADHD assessments in Edinburgh is quite challenging. Here’s why many adults are choosing private assessments:

1. Speed: The average waiting time for an NHS adult ADHD assessment in Edinburgh is a whopping 23.5 months. That’s nearly two years of waiting! Our private assessments typically happen within weeks.

2. Increasing demand: There’s been a massive surge in ADHD referrals. For example, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde saw a 1000% increase in adult ADHD referrals from 2020 to 2023. Central Fife experienced a 500% jump between 2012 and 2022.

3. Comprehensive approach: We follow the UK Adult ADHD Network’s (UKAAN) Gold standard guidelines for ADHD assessments. This ensures you receive a thorough, accurate diagnosis – crucial for effective treatment.

4. Cost-effective: While some private assessments in Scotland can cost up to £1700, we’ve worked hard to keep our prices significantly lower without compromising on quality.

5. Quick start to treatment: A timely diagnosis means you can begin personalised treatment sooner, potentially making daily life much easier.

Remember, getting diagnosed is the first step towards effectively managing ADHD. Why put your life on hold for two years when you could start understanding and managing your ADHD in just a few weeks?

After your ADHD assessment, we’ll work together to create a treatment plan tailored just for you. Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Effective medication options: Stimulant medications are highly effective, helping 70-80% of individuals with ADHD. For those who don’t respond well to stimulants, non-stimulants can work for about 50-60% of people.

2. Medication availability: We know there have been some ADHD medication shortages recently. Good news – we’ve partnered with an online provider who guarantees medication availability before prescribing. No more worrying about unfilled prescriptions!

3. Personalised approach: ADHD can present differently in adults, making it trickier to diagnose. We take this into account and tailor your treatment to your specific symptoms and needs.

4. Symptom management: We’ll help you tackle the three main categories of ADHD symptoms: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Our goal is to make your daily life easier and more manageable.

5. Holistic support: Beyond medication, we offer additional support like cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle adjustments to help you thrive with ADHD.

Remember, everyone’s ADHD journey is unique. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond. Ready to take control of your ADHD? Let’s get started!