EXPERT ADHD TREATMENT AT PSYCHE CLINIC ON HARLEY STREET
There is increasing awareness of both Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the past, there was some scepticism about these conditions, but they are now firmly established and recognised as neurodevelopmental. This means they are part of the brain’s underlying structure and remain throughout life, beginning in childhood. They are not mental illnesses that arise later and can be cured, but rather lifelong conditions that can be effectively managed with the right support.
ADHD and ADD may occur alongside other neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or certain forms of obsessive-compulsive traits, or they may exist on their own.
People with ADHD or ADD often find it difficult to concentrate in school, university, or during work meetings. They may zone out, daydream, or find it hard to tolerate queues or traffic jams. Many delay tasks until the last minute or struggle to complete them at all.
Procrastination is a common feature, where even small decisions are overthought for so long that little or no action is taken. Some individuals also experience hyperactivity, making it difficult to sit still or remain settled for extended periods.
Many people go through life without realising they have ADHD or ADD. It is often only after a child’s diagnosis that a parent recognises similar patterns in themselves.
Treatment for ADHD is often highly rewarding. The effects can be seen quickly once the right approach is found, with many people describing the change as life altering. They report feeling more focused, productive, and organised in their day-to-day lives.
At the Psyche Clinic, we provide ADHD treatment on Harley Street, offering thorough assessments and evidence-based care from experienced psychiatrists and psychologists. Our goal is to help individuals understand their condition and manage it effectively so they can reach their full potential.
As ADHD / ADD are hardware wiring problems in the brain from its early development, it is something for which the primary treatment is medication, unlike some emotional / mental illnesses which may respond to talking therapies without medication.
Medications are divided into two types: stimulant and non-stimulant. Non-stimulant medications must be taken every day. While they are well tolerated, they tend to be milder in effect compared to stimulants and may have a similar pharmacology to certain antidepressants. These can be a good option for individuals with very mild ADHD symptoms or for those who cannot take stimulants due to other medical conditions.
Common non-stimulants include Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Bupropion.
Stimulant medications are considered the first-line treatment and are typically the most effective option. These medications are amphetamine derivatives and work by producing a paradoxical calming effect in individuals with ADHD. For those without ADHD, stimulant medications have no therapeutic effect. In the UK, the two main types of stimulants prescribed are Methylphenidate and Dexamfetamine, both available in short- and long-acting formulations. For adults, we usually aim for a long-acting, once-daily medication taken in the morning, which provides symptom control throughout the day and gradually wears off in the evening without interfering with sleep. Examples include long-acting Methylphenidate preparations such as Concerta XL, Xenidate XL, and Xaggitin XL, and Lisdexamfetamine, commonly known as Elvanse.
For patients who have moved to the UK from the United States and were previously prescribed Adderall (which is not available in the UK), we generally recommend transitioning to Lisdexamfetamine as a suitable alternative.
Once a long-acting stimulant has been selected, we conduct a trial period with different doses to find the optimal maintenance dose. After this, a longer-term trial helps determine its ongoing effectiveness. Unlike non-stimulant medications, stimulant medications do not need to be taken daily. They can be used on an as-needed basis—some patients take them only on weekdays for work or study, taking breaks on weekends or holidays. We encourage occasional breaks to help prevent the development of tolerance and reduce the likelihood of requiring higher doses over time.
As ADHD is a long-term condition, it is recognised as a disability under the UK Equality Act. Before a formal diagnosis is made or during the treatment optimisation phase, we can provide support letters that outline the challenges a person faces due to their symptoms. These can be helpful for securing reasonable adjustments in workplaces, universities, or other educational settings.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
ADHD Assessments need a general psychiatric assessment first (up to one hour) but both may be done together in an extended assessment in 90 minutes if a number of required additional tequired components are completed and sent back to us prior to your assessment.
We require the following additional pieces of information from you:
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An email sent from a parent or family member who has known you since childhood confirming any signs or symptoms suggesting struggles with attention or overactivity when you were a child before the age of 12
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An email from a parent to you giving details of any school reports then remember making reference to anything suggestive of either poor attention or over activity. Eg whether comments made about not paying attention, struggle to complete tasks, talkative and disruptive in lessons, difficulty in completing coursework or homework
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ASRS Questionnaire completed and sent back to us (can provide a hyperlink to ASRS questionnaire)
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DIVA Questionnaire comppeted dan sent back to us (can provide a hyperlink to latest version of DIVA questionnaire)
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Physical Health Baseline Meaurements:
- Pulse
- Blood Pressure
- Weight (kg)