Adult Mental Health Services, ASD & ADHD

Assessment appointments are led by our highly experienced consultant Psychiatrists who have years of experience diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.  During an assessment, a full history will be taken, as well as an in-depth discussion about any concerns or issues you are experiencing.   

Conditions we treat under psychiatry: 

• Anxiety and depression  
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)  
• Body dysmorphia (BDD)  
• PTSD – or difficulties arising from trauma  
• Stress management 
• Bipolar disorders 
• Emerging personality disorder difficulties 
• Health anxiety 

Mental health can impact all areas of an individual’s life, and whilst you will not be pressurised into discussing anything you are uncomfortable with, it is very helpful to be as open as possible.

Topics that may be discussed during your assessment include: 

• Physical health symptoms 
• Family history and background 
• Experiences growing up 
• Thoughts and feelings 
• Career and work Relationships
• Drug and alcohol use 
• Hobbies and social life 

At the end of the appointment, your Psychiatrist will give you a diagnosis (where one can be made) and discuss any further assessments that might be helpful.  They will also discuss treatment options. 

Following the appointment, you will be sent a comprehensive report that will summarise the points of discussion and provide a clear diagnosis where one is possible. An individualised treatment plan will be included, discussing any medications or therapies that could be helpful.  

Follow up appointments with a psychiatrist are available to discuss ongoing concerns and the impact of any treatments put in place.  Shorter follow up appointments may be needed if medication is prescribed.  

ADHD is neurodevelopmental disorder, which can lead to social, academic and work related difficulties. However, with accurate diagnosis and treatment, many people with ADHD report that symptoms improve and life becomes easier.

ADHD is characterised by certain traits including:

• Inattention Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
• Makes careless mistakes Fidgets, taps, ‘jiggles’
• Does not follow through on instructions or fails to finish projects Talks excessively and quickly
• Disorganised and loses things Always on the go
• Easily distracted Struggles to wait in line or wait for their turn
• Struggles to listen when spoken to directly Constant feeling of restlessness

There are three types of ADHD found in adults:

1. ADHD – Combined: the most common type of ADHD (50-75%)[1] is a mix of both inattentive and impulsive behaviours. Someone with Combined ADHD may find it hard to stay focused and may be disorganised, as well as a sense of restlessness and acting impulsively.
2. ADHD – Inattentive: the second most common type of ADHD (20-30%), people with Inattentive ADHD may be easily distracted by external stimuli or their own thoughts. Forgetfulness, poor time management and being disorganised can symptoms of Inattentive ADHD.
3. ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive: the least common type of ADHD (15%), those with Hyperactive ADHD may find it hard to sit still, and may interrupt others. Acting without thinking through the consequences and finding it hard to engage in tasks or engage in conversation can also be signs of Hyperactive ADHD.

Whilst many of us will experience some of the above symptoms, those with ADHD will have experienced these symptoms during childhood and will experience them in a range of different settings. It is important to remember that people with ADHD have differences in brain function, it is not an indicator of intelligence, motivation or effort.

[1] Prevalence | Background information | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | CKS | NICE

The ADHD Assessment Process:

Step 1: Patients are invited to a free telephone consultation to ensure that an ADHD assessment is the best option for you and to answer any questions you may have. Many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions so it is helpful at an early stage to make sure that an ADHD assessment is the right route for you or a loved one.

Step 2: A clinical interview with a Consultant Psychiatrist who will:

1. Take a full history, including any health concerns you have
2. Ask you a series of questions using the ADHD assessment tool, DIVA-5.
3. Ask a friend or family member who knew you as a child questions (the signs of ADHD are often present in childhood)

Step 3: A full report will be sent to you. Within approximately two weeks, you will be sent a detailed report, based on the findings and mapped against the ADHD diagnostic criteria. The report includes:

1. A detailed analysis of the assessment process and findings
2. A clinical formulation
3. A diagnostic outcome
4. Recommendations for next steps, tailored to you

Download our Adult ADHD Assessment Guide here

Medication can be a highly effective treatment for ADHD, allowing individuals to gain more control over their lives and live more comfortably.  Finding the correct medication type and dose can take some time (this process is called titration) and also requires certain physical health tests to be carried out to make sure it is an appropriate route for you.   

The titration process involves several appointments, physical health screenings to ensure it is safe for you to start medication, education about how to take your medication and reviews to see if the dosage needs to be altered.  There will be lots of time to ask any questions you may have.  

The Haven Medical Prescribing and Titration Package:

• Necessary health screens to ensure medication is safe
• Education and advice on starting and taking medication
• Several appointments, phased over several months, to monitor impact of medication and change dosage as needed
• Private prescriptions (the cost of the medication itself is not included in this package, costs vary with dose and type of medication)

Shared Care agreements, with your local GP or NHS provider, may be available, which allows you to access prescriptions on the NHS.  We cannot guarantee that your local NHS services will be willing to do this, and always advise that you discuss this option with your GP before commencing treatment.  If you decide to continue accessing private prescribing for ADHD medications, you will need follow up 6 month annual, depends on meds dosage

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting around 1 in 100 adults in the UK[1], and is marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviours. The term “spectrum” underscores the varied symptoms and levels of impairment autistic individuals experience.

Around 70% of autistic adults have a mental health condition, such as anxiety, OCD or ADHD, which can hugely impact their quality of life.

Some common difficulties autistic people might have include:

[1] What is autism

[2] Autism and mental health

Whilst there is no ‘cure’ for autism, a diagnosis can be a huge relief, providing a reason for ‘why’ someone might feel different to others and a way to communicate their challenges or preferences to others. A diagnosis of autism can also ensure that effective support and resources can be put in place to allow individuals to thrive and live a more comfortable life.

The Autism Assessment Process:

Step 1 -A free telephone consultation to ensure that an autism assessment is the best option for you and to answer any questions you may have.  Many of the symptoms overlap with other conditions.

Step 2 – A clinical interview with a Consultant Psychiatrist who will:

• Take a full history, including any history of challenges you have experienced and any health concerns you have.
• An in depth and thorough clinical interview, based on the Royal College of Psychiatrists guidelines and NICE guidance approved. Part of the interview will involve talking to a parent or relative who knew you as a child to provide information that will assist in the diagnosis process.

Step 3 – A full report will be sent to you

Within approximately two weeks, you will be sent a detailed report, based on the findings and mapped against the autism diagnostic criteria.  The report includes:

• A detailed analysis of the assessment process and findings
• A clinical formulation
• A diagnostic outcome
• Recommendations for next steps, tailored to you

Download our Adult Autism Assessment Guide Here

Psychology and talking therapies are highly effective for anyone who is experiencing emotional or psychological challenges or difficulties, and whilst there are many different approaches, nearly all involve you talking about your thoughts and feelings with a trained therapist who can help make sense of things.  

Psychology and talking therapies can help you make sense of things that have happened in your past, learn new and healthier coping mechanisms and provide a space to safely explore difficulties.  Talking therapies can be particularly helpful when you are going through a life transition, be it a divorce, children leaving home, a death or a change in employment.  The skills and insight you learn from therapy will last a lifetime. 

Talking Therapies Can Help With: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression and low mood 
• Self-Harm 
• Stress 
• Grief 
• Difficulties within relationships 
• Addictions 
• Sleep problems 
• Low self-esteem and confidence 
• Trauma and abuse 
• Phobias and fears 
• Life transitions, such as divorce  

You can have a free conversation with a Clinical Psychologist who will be able to advise on the best therapist for you or a loved one.  Call 01202 110303 or email [email protected].

Types of Talking Therapy Haven Medical offers: 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)   
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD  
• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)  
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)  
• Schema Therapy  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)