The assessment itself normally involves collecting information, and then meeting for 90 minutes. If medication is started, then there would need to be a follow-up appointment of 30 or 45 minutes about 4 weeks later. Further appointments might be needed, and it is generally felt that people with ADHD should at least have an in-depth discussion around their ADHD and its management once a year with someone with an interest in the area, and for some this might be with their family doctor.
Children and Adolescents up to age 18:
It is important to get feedback from a parent, from the child or young person, and very importantly also from a teacher. Parents and Teachers are sent a questionnaire which can be completed on-line, the Conners 3. Depending on the age of the person being assessed, a Self Report Conners 3 may be used, or we may rely on history, or a card sorting activity which helps work out things that are going well, things that are not going so well, or things where they are clear difficulties, often described in my letters as Thumbs Up, In Between, and Thumbs Down. A detailed history that covers the whole of childhood to date will be very important, as will making sure that important areas such as sleep diet and general health are all being managed as well as possible.
You can therefore expect:
- Online forms to fill out for parents relating to child’s early life appearances to date
- Online questionnaires for parent and the teachers, and possibly for the young person – these are sent to the parent to forward as needed
- A detailed face-to-face history, and a physical examination with height weight blood pressure and listening to the heart
Adults aged 18 and over
It is important to collect information not only from the adult coming for the assessment, but also ideally from a parent or sibling who can think back to what the adult was like when they were a child. It is also really helpful to have information from a partner or close friend who can comment on the adult’s current day-to-day behaviours. A questionnaire called a DIVA-5 is emailed for the adult fill out and think about – and return by email- before coming to the appointment. This questionnaire covers the 9 key areas you need to look at when considering a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD, and the 9 key areas when considering the Hyperactive Impulsive presentation of ADHD. It includes examples that may be relevant in adult life, and also things that an adult may remember when thinking back to childhood in school. This questionnaire can very usefully also be filled out separately by a parent or by a partner or close friend. Additionally, past school reports, particularly those relating to primary and intermediate are very helpful if available.
You can therefore expect:
- Online forms for basic information such as NHI number and GP contact details
- DIVA-5 questionnaire to complete and return, and ideally to get a parent and or friend or partner to also complete and return
- A detailed face-to-face history, and a physical examination with height weight blood pressure and listening to the heart
