It is common for patients with ADHD to have struggled with their mental and physical health in a number of areas across their life. At the Somerville Clinic we therefore offer holistic ADHD assessments which cover all aspects of your mental and physical wellbeing. These 2 hour assessments cover a full bio-psychosocial history together with collateral information from friends and family.
Before you are seen in clinic we will ask you to complete a general registration form with the clinic alongside specific screening for ADHD (the ASRS form) as well as a form for collateral information called the ACE-I. This form asks for details from your childhood and adulthood as to where you might have struggled. Often patients ask a family member as well as a partner or friend to complete this.
You are welcome to email us with any queries ahead of the assessment so you feel confident you know what to expect.
Assessments take place in clinic and will cover your full mental health history, physical health needs as well as a thorough review of any difficulties you may have experienced in your life.
For those who have completed the collateral information before the assessment we can generally confirm if you do or don't have a diagnosis of ADHD at the end of the assessment and discuss treatment options. For borderline cases sometimes we need to ask for further information or reviews.
If we do not think you are above the threshold for ADHD but may be experiencing other difficulties such as anxiety, insomnia or burnout we can discuss management for these in clinic and you will receive a full report within 7-10 working days with a treatment plan.
If we do think you have a diagnosis of ADHD you will receive a report confirming the diagnosis, a treatment plan and initial prescription (if medication is required) within 7-10 days.
Following the initial assessment some patients will choose to consider a pharmacological option (medication). The titration process generally takes between 3-4 follow up appointments and prescriptions. In some cases we may ask you to have an ECG (tracing of your heart) or blood tests done as a baseline before we can safely commence treatment.
Once a patient is stable on their medication they can apply for shared care with their GP to take over their prescribing. Please be aware that not all GPs will accept shared care and patients are encouraged to check before they consider this pathway.
Alternatively we can continue to manage your care at the Somerville clinic. This would require 6 monthly reviews with us and a fee for repeat prescriptions made outside of clinic appointments.
Please see below for ADHD Medication Titration Appointments.
Our ASD assessments involve an in depth clinical review lasting up to 3 hours, alongside a structured assessment and collateral information.
ASD is a condition which is often associated with a number of other mental health conditions including ADHD, depression and anxiety. In order to diagnose ASD we offer a detailed bio-psychosocial clinical interview with the patient in person which offers a comprehensive review of that person's current and past functioning. We will ask about all domains of their life from childhood and also focus specifically on other mental health symptoms they may have experienced.
Prior to the assessment we will ask patients to complete a structured assessment form (The RAADS-R) as well as a detailed developmental history questionnaire which we encourage patients to ask their family and friends to help them complete. We also find it helpful to speak to family members if possible to understand our patient's difficulties further.
Generally we are able to confirm if a diagnosis is present following the clinical interview if we have received all of the collateral information. On some occasions we may request further clinical information. Please be aware that there is a high threshold for confirmation of a diagnosis of Autism, however many of our patients experience traits of Autism alongside other mental health conditions.
Following the assessment we will offer a detailed report confirming details of any diagnoses. Patients are encouraged to share this with their GP or employer. We will sign post to resources for people with ASD and will make recommendations if patients also experience other difficulties with their mental health which are commonly seen in those with ASD such as depression and anxiety.
Many patients choose to come back for a follow up appointment to discuss their diagnosis and particular needs.
An hour long general assessment covering a range of mental health areas for adults. This includes depression, anxiety, psychosis, complex PTSD, PTSD, pre menstrual dysphoric disorder, bipolar and personality disorders (but excludes ADHD and ASD). The assessment includes a review of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment pathways including medication recommendations and prescriptions.
A two hour comprehensive psychiatric assessment for those with more complex mental health presentations that need in depth exploration. This includes depression, anxiety, psychosis, complex PTSD, PTSD, pre menstrual dysphoric disorder, bipolar and personality disorders (but excludes ADHD and ASD). The assessment includes an in-depth review of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment pathways including medication recommendations and prescriptions.
A 15 minute consultation to check on the progress of ADHD medication titration. BP, Pulse and weight need to be provided at each review. Repeat prescription included.
We offer a 30 minute assessment for patients who have a previous diagnosis of ADHD who wish to transfer their care to The Somerville Clinic. This requires patients to share their medical report, diagnosing their ADHD with us prior to booking this review. This report must have been made by a qualified professional and made within the previous year. We will then be able to discuss treatment options and initiate medication. First prescription included in the cost of the review.
We offer 30 minute clinical reviews to existing patients of the Somerville Clinic as a follow up to their ongoing care needs. These can include any aspect of their care including medication and ongoing mental health symptoms and management.
We offer 60 minute reviews for existing patients of the Somerville Clinic as a follow up to their ongoing care needs. These can include any aspect of their care including medication and ongoing mental health symptoms, diagnoses and management.
£15
Once you have been stabilised on treatment for ADHD we can request that your ADHD medication and follow up care is transferred back to your NHS GP. This requires us to write a report requesting 'Shared Care' to your GP. The cost of this letter and us sending it to your GP is £150. Please be advised that not all GPs will accept the ongoing management of your medication for your ADHD and we advise that you discuss this with them. Most GPs will request that you are reviewed every 6 months by an ADHD specialist to check your treatment needs alongside them taking over responsibility for prescribing.
If you require a clinical letter these will incur a fee of £100. These include requests for extensions and exemptions for university/work and other requests.
Letters for travel with controlled drugs are charged at £65 a letter.
