Specialist ADHD psychiatrist for medication review for young adult

[ObsessiveGoogler]

Hi. My DD is 20 and at Uni and really struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. She has tried various medications but none so far have provided lasting benefit. She has been seen by two private psychiatrists (one child and then an adult one) but neither seemed particularly good to be honest. I think she needs a thorough review and a plan to look at either combined meds or something less common. Can anyone recommend a good adhd specialist- either anywhere online or south east in person. Thanks. __

Bump for the day crowd - thanks

No answers, sorry, but I’m looking for the exact same thing for my DS, same reasons, so following with interest 🙂

https://mentalhealthclinic.co.uk/dr-sally-cubbin/ I would go back to her if rediagnosis was a thing.

Stepping Stones clinic in London - we see a doctor there (happy to PM name) via zoom.

Thank you so much for your responses. Unfortunately Sally Cubbin isn’t taking new clients. @HorseAreBetterThanHumans if you could pm me I would be very grateful

@HorseAreBetterThanHumans thanks for the DM - for some reason I can't reply direct to it.

ADHD clinic that offers diagnosis, medication titration, and follow-up support, usually with quick access. It is convenient and often well-reviewed for speed and ease of process.
However, it is not always the best option for complex or medication-resistant ADHD cases, and NHS shared-care acceptance can vary.
For your daughter, a senior ADHD psychiatrist may be more suitable for a deeper review and advanced treatment plan.(Adhdcertify.co.uk) check it for more information.

@momz1 thanks - are you a service user or do you work there?

I used them personally my experience was really good.

I would see a general psychiatrist, not an ADHD specific clinic at this point. If the meds aren’t really working then you need the diagnosis checked. You don’t really get this at the single diagnosis clinics- when all you e got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail 🤷🏻

Hi. @AndSoFinally I think that’s a really good point. Thankyou. She was originally seen by general psychiatrists ( one as a child and one adult) so my concerns are still the same about someone who can provide nuances care. Sally Cubbins mentioned above looked ideal, but isn’t taking on new clients.

In my experience if your daughter has tried adhd meds and treatment and it's not worked previously i reckon maybe a psychiatrist not just specialising in adhd would be a good option to try next, I think if you go to another adhd specialist they'll likely just go through the usual treatments and if these aren't working and she's tried several then it may be something else is going on? Meds are usually effective in treating most cases of adhd even though it may take a while to find the right medication and dose and regime, stimulants or nob stimulant options etc. If you don't mind saying, what has she tried previously that hasn't worked? As that may help us to give advice :)

Hi @seventeenofsumday. she was initially on methylphenidate slow release- quite a high dose after initial titration. This had some benefits, but it wasn’t dramatic . She then came off it for a year (her choice). When she went back she couldn’t manage the side effects, so she was given atamoxitine. This worked well for about a month, after which it had no effect. Increasing dose made her too tired.

I also recommend Stepping Stones. DS saw Dr Eparu for a long time and she was wonderful (we actually saw her through the priory north London but she also works at stepping stones).

The NHS diagnosed my son and they have a whole team who collaborate to set and review the medications. I presume they don't have this system of combined expertise when you opt to go private?

My daughter tried upteen meds and eventually came back to Methylphenidate, but the short release kind. She found this worked best for her because it wore off in four hours meaning she could managing her eating and socialising around her medicated study periods. Unfortunately, ADHD meds can only support focus and an ability to lock in to study. It can't help with the poor executive function skills that ADHDers have, so looking after themselves, shopping, cooking, cleaning and keeping on top of laundry will always be a struggle.

thanks for this. @PearlsTeapot i don’t think they will take DD as she is over 18. @specialsauce some private practices do, but it is often quite difficult to negotiate what their roles and qualifications are. @mugglewump i wouldn’t be surprised if we went back to stimulants. However I don’t think it’s quite right rhat the meds can’t make a difference for executive functioning- there is a lot of evidence now that for certain aspects it can (although it certainly isn’t a magic bullet).

Ah I didn’t realise. I’d just contact the priory then and get an online consultation, Dr ivanov is excellent and I’ve heard good things about Dr Gupta.

I can’t link from my phone, but if you google ‘Bupa consultation finder’ they have a great search tool and you can find a psychiatrist though there.

Thanks @PearlsTeapot