Students with ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Students with ADHD
Being a student can be a tough and critical transition time in a young person’s life. ADHD impairs the executive function of our brain that we mainly use in any type of studying, be it school, college, university or at work. Here are the components of executive functioning crucial for learning and analysis:
- Stimulation, response and effort
- Control of emotions
- Internalisation
- Problem-solving skills
- Working memory and recollection.
These executive functions are disrupted when a student has ADHD. It can put a strain on your academic life and may cause you to struggle in keeping up with your peers. It is essential to seek professional help, get proper the diagnosis and be able to manage the symptoms that impact these functions.
There are Three Recognised Types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD in Students:
1) Combination Type – Symptoms of both criteria inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were present for the past 6 months
2) Inattentive Type –Symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity-impulsivity, were present for the past six months (Previously called ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder).
3) Hyperactive/Impulsive Type – Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but not inattention were present for the past six months.
Here are some of the most common problems that students with ADHD typically encounter:
- Difficulty functioning in a busy and noisy surroundings, resulting in unproductive study time.
- Finding it hard to settle and relax.
- Making careless mistakes and miss attention to detail.
- Finding it difficult to concentrate on one thing.
- Struggling with listening when others are talking.
- Experiencing difficulty in following instructions properly.
- Organising tasks, activities and studies.
- Easily become distracted.
- Forgetful of daily tasks or activities.
- Feeling restless.
We understand that exam times and assessments can be particularly challenging for students with ADHD. We have therefore developed close relationships with most of the large college and university student health departments and are used to liaising with them to ensure that students with a diagnosis of ADHD are given the extra support and allowances that they are entitled to, especially in relation to handing in coursework and sitting exams.
Student Assessments
Prior to the appointment we will ask you to provide some information. You will be asked to complete some simple symptom checklist and registration forms for yourself along with 2 collateral information forms (one to be completed by someone who knows you now and if possible by someone who knew you in childhood – this can be a family member or friend.) All this will help the doctor to get a better objective understanding of how your ADHD symptoms may have affected you throughout your life.
It is important that you are honest and transparent about what you have been and still going through in order to help our clinical specialists devise an effective plan for your treatment. Successful treatment can bring profound positive changes in your adult life
Your assessment for ADHD will be conducted by one of our specialist ADHD Consultant Psychiatrists. The assessment will usually take 75 – 90 minutes to complete. You are more than welcome to bring someone with you to the appointment if you wish. You will be walked through a structured clinical assessment for Adult ADHD which is based on the latest DSM-V criteria for Adult ADHD known as the gold standard of assessment criteria for diagnosing the different subtypes of ADHD.
After the assessment you will receive a letter from your Consultant outlining any diagnosis and treatment plan details.
At the ADHD Centre we can offer assessments in either or London, Milton Keynes or Manchester clinic or via Zoom for Healthcare. All the assessments are with an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD.
Treatment
If a diagnosis of ADHD been reached and medication is offered and decided upon then initially this will be provided as a private prescription (please see our Pricing & Terms document attached for full details).
Ahead of being able to prescribe any ADHD Medication we will require you to have some blood tests and an ECG done (this can normally be done via your NHS GP). These tests are for your safety and to ensure there are no underlying conditions that may contraindicate any medication we may prescribe.
Our treatment packages use a combination of evidence-based treatments which may include a combination of medications, psychological therapy, and working with a specialist learning development coach that can help you to develop new skills in the following areas:
- Stress management
- Balancing work and social life in a healthy way
- Good time management and effective study skills
- Techniques for better organization and academic self-study
- Effective revision and exam preparation
- Sleep problems
We also offer a free introductory coaching call as part of the initial assessment to explain how our specialist behavioural coaching programme can help you to get on top of your ADHD symptoms.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ADHD TREATMENTS – PLEASE SEE https://www.adhdcentre.co.uk/adhd-treatment/
Setting up a Shared Care Agreement with your GP
If you choose to go on medication, once you are on a stable regime, then if you wish, we can set up a Shared Care Agreement with your GP so that they can take over the prescribing of any medication that may be indicated in your treatment plan. We have standard protocol documents for this procedure. This would mean that your prescription would then become an NHS prescription and therefore charged at their standard rate. Please note we cannot guarantee a Shared Care arrangement with your GP. We would encourage you to discuss your plans for a Shared Care Agreement with your GP before you commence on treatment with the ADHD centre, so that they are informed and involved early on.
Secondary Symptoms
It is now know that about half of all people with ADHD also have a secondary or co-morbid condition (https://www.additudemag.com/when-its-not-just-adhd/)
Studies show that people with ADHD have an increased risk of also suffering from other psychological problems: particularly depression, anxiety and substance abuse. This is often because their ADHD went undiagnosed and untreated in childhood and this can then have a secondary effect on mood, developing self-esteem, anxiety or worry. Some adults develop coping strategies that mediate against or lessen some of the symptoms, but these may often become maladaptive or harmful in other ways.
At the ADHD Centre our psychiatrists are all trained in general psychiatry and will therefore screen for other secondary symptoms or co-morbid conditions that might also be affecting you in an adverse way and having a compounding impact on your ADHD symptoms. Your psychiatrist will discuss their findings and this will all be incorporated into the assessment and treatment plan. In this way the treatment plan is holistic and takes account of your individual presentation and situation
Call an ADHD Expert Today
We also offer online assessments. Please get in touch to arrange a convenient time for your online consultation with an ADHD Centre Specialist Doctor.
The ADHD Centre
Who We Are
We are a team of experienced Consultant Psychiatrists, Psychologists and ADHD Behavioural Coaches.
We have been diagnosing and treating people with ADHD since 2009.
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