I can’t stress just how helpful Dr. Ankur Kumar has been. I was keen to ensure I saw a consultant who I had a strong sense of confidence in, so I would have complete faith in the accuracy of diagnosis and advice regarding treatment. Dr. Kumar absolutely fit the books as a specialised consultant who had previously been part of the team handling ADHDers at the renowned SLaM mental health hospital, and I was drawn to his profile on the ADHD centre website as a young, experienced doctor with a good vibe that I could hopefully identify and communicate with as much as possible.
From diagnosing my ADHD in a robust and detailed assessment to supporting me with titration of medicine, I always felt that the key to Dr. Kumar’s treatment was enabling me to make informed choices and take control of my treatment so it worked for me. This isn’t to say that his strong expertise wasn’t there to steer me - rather that he supported my acting as an active participant in each step of my treatment pathway with the independence to make guided choices. This was hugely important for me and this process has been one of assuming a greater degree of control over my life and health.
Dr. Kumar was honest, empathetic and non-judgmental. I felt I could be open and say more or less anything to him, which is something I usually find challenging with doctors. He had great insight into my experience and feelings, and was able to articulate where I felt unable to express myself fully. I couldn’t have asked for a better physician for this, and I felt confident I was in the best possible hands.
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Kumar to anybody seeking diagnosis or treatment for ADHD. He is clearly very experienced at engaging and communicating with neurodivergent individuals. I felt valued and respected as an equal partner in dialogue and planning regards treatment choices, which is a remarkable achievement for a condition where so often one can feel isolated, misunderstood and an outsider to society’s common perspectives and experiences. To this extent I felt Dr. Kumar gave me confidence and calm, reassurance and encouragement. Dr. Kumar built me up when my expectation going in to a space of clinical intervention and psychiatric evaluation was one of feeling diminished, vulnerable and a person who might come across mentally unwell. I’d expected to be placed under the looking glass of a serious doctor in a serious white coat, to dictate to me how I should deal with my serious problems. This wasn’t my experience at all. On top of having confidence in his advice, clear experience and knowledge, his relaxed and approachable manner was refreshing. Being able to talk freely about my experience of ADHD and make decisions with help of a compassionate, empathetic expert helped with feelings of being out of touch with others due to this condition, and of lacking capacity to take meaningful control of my life.
Dr. Kumar has a genuine and clear interest in the wellbeing of his patients - whether that’s in relation to treatment impacting on work performance, daily life or otherwise. He is a kind and emotionally astute individual. He’s also very funny at times.
While I am here I should give a special mention to the admin team - particularly Dr. Kumar’s fantastic receptionist Leanne Ford - prompt to respond, highly conscientious, and helpful with queries and requests.
Do see Dr. Ankur Kumar if you think you have ADHD, you won’t find the experience difficult in the slightest. My only regret is not doing so earlier! I look forward to continued follow ups into the future and continued progress under his supervision and guidance.
