ADHD

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You (or your child) experience ongoing difficulties with focus and attention that significantly impact daily activities.
You (or your child) frequently act impulsively or struggle to control impulsive urges.
Staying organised and completing tasks feels like a constant battle for you (or your child).
Forgetfulness, misplaced belongings, and difficulty following instructions are common occurrences.
You (or your child) has excessive energy or restlessness that disrupts daily activities.
These symptoms have been present for at least six months and cause problems in multiple settings (e.g., school, work, home).
In addition to the above symptoms, you (or your child) experience sudden or significant changes in mood or behaviour.
You (or your child) experience severe anxiety or depression alongside ADHD symptoms.
You (or your child) have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
You (or your child) are struggling with feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
You (or your child) are engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviours.

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You (or your child) experience ongoing difficulties with focus and attention that significantly impact daily activities.
You (or your child) frequently act impulsively or struggle to control impulsive urges.
Staying organised and completing tasks feels like a constant battle for you (or your child).
Forgetfulness, misplaced belongings, and difficulty following instructions are common occurrences.
You (or your child) has excessive energy or restlessness that disrupts daily activities.
These symptoms have been present for at least six months and cause problems in multiple settings (e.g., school, work, home).
In addition to the above symptoms, you (or your child) experience sudden or significant changes in mood or behaviour.
You (or your child) experience severe anxiety or depression alongside ADHD symptoms.
You (or your child) have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
You (or your child) are struggling with feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
You (or your child) are engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviours.

Do’s:

Seek professional diagnosis and treatment: A proper diagnosis by a qualified healthcare professional is crucial for understanding your specific needs and developing an effective treatment plan. This may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
Learn about ADHD: Educating yourself about ADHD, its symptoms, and management strategies can empower you to take control of your condition.
Develop routines and structure: Create consistent routines for daily tasks, including sleep, meals, and work/study schedules. This structure can provide stability and predictability, reducing stress and improving focus.
Break down large tasks: Feeling overwhelmed by large projects is common with ADHD. Divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them seem less daunting and easier to complete.
Utilise organisational tools: Planners, calendars, to-do lists, and visual aids can be tremendously helpful for managing time, staying organised, and remembering appointments or deadlines. There are also many digital tools and apps available.
Find a quiet workspace: Minimise distractions in your work or study environment. This could involve finding a quiet corner at the library, using noise-cancelling headphones, or letting others know you need focused time.
Take breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. Get up, move around, do some stretches, or engage in a brief mindfulness exercise to refresh your focus.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing ADHD symptoms. Engaging in regular exercise can improve focus, attention, and overall well-being.
Eat a healthy diet: Maintaining a balanced diet can improve energy levels, mood, and cognitive function, all of which can be impacted by ADHD.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Adequate sleep is essential for focus, concentration, and emotional regulation, all areas commonly challenged by ADHD.
Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation, both of which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out for support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking to others who understand ADHD can be a source of encouragement and guidance.
Advocate for yourself: If you're in an academic or professional setting, don't hesitate to request accommodations that can help you succeed. This could involve extended time on tests, a quiet testing environment, or flexible deadlines.

Don'ts:

Self-diagnose: While online resources can be informative, a proper diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional is essential for establishing ADHD and determining the most effective treatment plan.
Ignore symptoms: Ignoring ADHD symptoms won't make them go away. Addressing them head-on through treatment and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life.
Compare yourself to others: ADHD manifests differently in everyone. Focus on managing your own symptoms and celebrating your progress, rather than comparing yourself to others.
Procrastinate seeking help: The sooner you get professional help, the sooner you can develop effective management strategies and start living a more fulfilling life.
Be afraid of medication: If medication is part of your treatment plan, don't be afraid to take it as prescribed by your doctor. Medication can be a powerful tool for managing ADHD symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Rely solely on medication: Medication is often just one part of an effective treatment plan. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and self-management strategies are also crucial for managing ADHD.
Give up: ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it is manageable. With the right tools and support, you can achieve your goals and live a successful life.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe the challenges you're experiencing with focus and attention?
How often do you find yourself acting impulsively or blurting things out?
Do you have difficulty staying organised or completing tasks on time?
How often do you forget things or misplace belongings?
Do you have excessive energy or restlessness that interferes with your daily activities?
Have these symptoms been present since childhood, or did they develop more recently?
How severely do these symptoms impact your daily life (work, school, relationships)?
Are you experiencing any anxiety or depression along with these symptoms?
How is your sleep quality? Are you getting enough sleep regularly?
Do you have any other medical conditions or are you taking any medications currently?
Did you experience any learning difficulties in school?
How were you described as a child (e.g., easily distracted, restless, hyperactive)?
Does anyone in your family have ADHD or related conditions?

1.Symptoms

What are the common symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD can manifest differently in children and adults. Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are core symptoms.
- Inattentiveness may involve difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or following instructions
- Hyperactivity may present as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated
- Impulsivity can manifest as blurting out answers, interrupting others, or acting without thinking
- Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information

How can I tell if I or my child has ADHD?

A formal diagnosis from a qualified professional is necessary to determine ADHD. However, if you suspect ADHD, talking to your doctor or a mental health professional is a crucial first step.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How is ADHD diagnosed at LIPS?

Our team utilises a comprehensive approach to diagnose ADHD. This may involve:
- In-depth clinical interview with you or your child and a parent/guardian (if applicable)
- Standardised rating scales to assess symptoms
- Reviewing medical history and ruling out other potential causes
- Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

What tests are used to diagnose ADHD?

There is no single test for ADHD. However, our specialists may recommend psychological testing to gain a deeper understanding of your or your child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What treatment options are available for ADHD at LIPS?

LIPS offers a personalised treatment approach for ADHD, combining various strategies to optimise outcomes. This may include:
- Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can help manage ADHD symptoms
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can equip individuals with skills to improve focus, organisation, and emotional regulation
Parent training: Educational programs can help parents and caregivers understand ADHD and develop effective strategies to support their child

How long does ADHD treatment last?

ADHD is a lifelong condition; however, treatment can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life. The duration of treatment varies depending on individual needs, but often involves ongoing management.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers

Do you accept my insurance plan?

Please don't hesitate to inquire about your specific insurance plan. We can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive the best possible care to manage ADHD.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.