Booking your consultation is made as easy as possible. The preferred method is to fill out the contact page. My secretary will be in contact within the same day Friday - Monday, and during the weekend within 24 hrs.
Dr Ivantu is accepting new patients with ADHD, moving from abroad, or students coming to study in the UK. We are aware of how stressful can be to find a psychiatrist to prescribe your medication for ADHD.
For best practise and results, you will require to have an initial assessment for 2 hrs and provide evidence of a previous ADHD diagnosis. In the situation you don't have access to previous letters, we can arrange a 2.5 hrs ADHD diagnosis consultation and receive an updated report.
Your care for ADHD will be transferred safely, to a UK psychiatrist, and receive the medication and support you need. To book an appointment click here.
We will start the assessment by explaining the possible outcomes, and understand your current situation. The conversation is friendly, and you are in control throughout the process. In the private ADHD assessment, we will understand in depth your journey in life no matter at what stage you are.
We understand sometimes a long consultation can be tiring, and halfway in the appointment, we can have a short break. At the end of your assessment, you should receive a reliable answer of your difficulties, and where appropriate a holistic treatment plan.
At the end of your appointment, we can comfortably say if you suffer from ADHD, or not or if applicable other mental health condition. The most important is for us to help you with a plan of recovery, where you achieve your goals, and have a better quality of life.
Mental health can be different for everyone, depending on your journey until present. Everyone has their own set of goals, social circumstances and it is difficult to predict the exact number of sessions.
Although the medication can be highly effective, this is not a cure and in some people may have a limited efficacy. On average, after the ADHD assessment, it takes on average 4 sessions until finding an effective and sustainable treatment plan.
Where requested and suitable for the individual, we are able to provide a personalised 1:1 private therapy program.
Therapy has a very important role, when resources and expertise are available. I usually see people when they have already tried other therapies such as CBT.
As Consultant Psychiatrist, I had training in Psychological Services in Oxford, UK. My preferred approach in therapy is psychodynamic psychotherapy and mentalization-based therapy. My training in providing therapy allows me to understand in-depth the journey and needs of patients suffering from ADHD.
In many cases, I am working with my patients, primarily in providing therapy and supporting them in achieving their goals. In some cases therapy can be used as an adjuvant to treatment, or some patients may prefer a medication free approach.
Similar to physical health, in mental health, there are limitations depending on the presentation. Most often, a referral is not accepted due to the nature of an outpatient specialist practice.
There are cases, that require an entire team or specific expertise, and we are aware of our own limitations. When we cannot take on a case you will have a reliable answer, and where available an alternative.
I specialise in managing ADHD and associated conditions, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other mental health conditions. Sometimes a diagnosis can have limitations, and you will be provided a psychological formulation, and understanding of the underlying distressing factors.
Mental health is multifactorial; therefore, we will consider all the factors, including social circumstances, psychological matters and lifestyle factors.
Depending on your needs and complexity, they are up to 2 - 2.5 hrs. Please check the services page to find more details. If you are not sure and you need guidance, please do not hesitate to contact my secretary.
The recommended time for the reviews is to be 60 min unless advised otherwise. Having time available, we can focus on psychological aspects, and lifestyle changes and integrate the holistic aspect of care. However, when there are financial or time constraints a 30 min consultation is advised.
Yes, the best recovery in mental health is by using the holistic approach. I'm using psychotherapy, cognitive analytic therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychoeducation.
The psychotherapy sessions are integrated into your reviews, depending on your needs and circumstances. In some situations, standalone therapy treatment plans can be established.
You will experience a supportive, non-judgemental conversation where you will receive the optimal support you need for having a better quality of life and well-being. To understand more about the role of a Consultant Psychiatrist, read here on the Royal College of Psychiatrists website.
The future in living with ADHD should be good when you have access to the appropriate support. This will help you to achieve what we call your maximum potential. Very often 6-12 months later, we hear stories such as: "I am more confident, I achieved a promotion, my business is doing better or my relationship has improved”. There are also situations where the treatment outcomes may have limitations due to limited response to medication, psychological matters, social circumstances and different factors.
You need to be mindful that ADHD is one of the few mental health conditions that has a relatively good prognosis. Approximately 70 - 80% of the people suffering from ADHD experience a significant improvement in the symptoms after starting the medication.
Regardless, mental health can be a complex area and this shouldn't be seen as a sprint and more likely as a marathon.
This will be discussed with Dr Ivantu during your private consultation. As a baseline, we advise our patients to follow one of the methods:
Drop in at your local Pharmacy. (preferred option)
Check at the GP surgery. (second preferred option)
Purchase your own blood pressure machine. (last option)
Please note: A blood pressure machine is a medical device; this needs to be under warranty at all times and used as per manufacturer recommendations. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the readings, of any of your medical devices.
The above information applies, only to the patients open to Dr Ivantu and when the above was already discussed in a consultation.
Please note:
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, and information, contained in this FAQ are for general information purposes only and do not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.
The ADHD assessment is one of the most in-depth consultations in mental health. Compared with typical psychiatric presentations, this requires more time; and the clinical interview itself takes up to 2.5 hrs. Being a condition associated with brain development we need to understand someone's journey, from childhood until the present. To achieve the best outcomes we need to go beyond the typical symptoms of ADHD, understanding psychological factors and where necessary other associated conditions.
The ADHD assessment can have multiple outcomes: establishing the diagnosis, not meeting the criteria, dealing with another diagnosis or a combination.
The waiting times depend on the caseload as we prioritise our current clients. My practice is independent, entirely private. As my clients are recovering, they usually require fewer follow-ups or can be managed by their General Practitioner (GP). Therefore, consultation slots can become available. We do not encourage or accept waiting lists. Enquire about the next available slot here.
You will be guided step by step by our medical secretary and advised to complete the pre-assessment form. We understand, everyone's personal circumstances are different.
The most important preparation is to have a comfortable and private space during the online consultation. Using a device preferably a laptop, a PC computer, or tablet with a reliable internet connection. It is less recommended using a mobile phone, due to its limitations and associated distractions.
We will be sending you the pre-assessment questionnaire that you have to complete before the appointment, and with your consent we will ask the medical history from your GP.
The diagnosis process starts as soon as you are sending the pre-assessment forms, and we will have a careful look before your appointment. The most important in the diagnosis assessment is the psychiatric consultation, where we will cover your personal history, mental health journey and symptoms. We are utilising the standardized diagnostic questionnaires, however, we are aware these can have limitations. In most situations, we are able to formulate a psychological explanation of your difficulties. Regardless, you should receive an answer to your long waiting questions.
We believe the ADHD assessment needs to look into the possibility of having associated conditions. In some situations, you may already try different therapies or be diagnosed with other conditions, and you seek an explanation for this. We want to reassure you will leave the appointment, with most of the answers about your mental health.
The consultant psychiatrist has the clinical expertise in diagnosing complex mental health conditions, providing psychological support and evidence-based interventions.
Where appropriate, we can support starting the ADHD medication. However, if your preference is different we understand this. If you decide on medication and this is appropriate, it can be made available in 2-3 days. However, the best prognosis is achieved with a combination of therapy, coaching and lifestyle changes. These can be integrated in the 1hr follow-up sessions.
After your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report in less than 5 working days and with your consent we can establish communication with your general practitioner. Our reports are recognized by 1. The NHS, 2 General practitioners (GPs), 3. Universities, 4. Schools institutions, 5. Employers and professionals.
The shared care agreement protocol can be a daunting process for the patient, but also for the specialist clinician. This can be simply described as a contract between the ADHD Specialist and the GP. Our promise is that we will do our best to support you in having this document in place, and access to affordable medication. However, as per the National Institute of Clinical Excellence it is a requirement every 6 months to have a specialist follow-up.
In the situation a shared care agreement is not accepted, the patient or the carer need to be aware of the costs for the monthly medication and prescription costs.
Each person is different in terms of goals, response to medication, and treatment plans. You need to take into consideration the cost of the ADHD assessment, and follow-up sessions - on average 3-4.
In addition, there is a cost associated with medication issued via a private prescription. The cost depends on the type of ADHD medication prescribed, and if your GP can support a shared care agreement. I am also recognised by providers of medical insurance, for this please see FAQ.
You will receive the support to have a shared care agreement between Dr. Ivantu and your GP. This can require for you to be stable on medication for at least 3 months. Once established, it is mandatory to have a specialist follow-up every 6 - 12 months, as agreed with the consultant.
For a higher success rate, we advise you to contact your GP before booking an assessment. Without a shared care agreement, you need to take into consideration the monthly cost of medication and out-of-consultation prescription fee.
Yes, in my opinion, video consultations in mental health are equal if not better than in-person consultations. However, Dr Ivantu offers in-person reviews once a week at 10 Harley St London, where clinically indicated. Video consultations have their advantages both for the patient and clinician. My approach is to strive to provide the best experience and use the best available technology. For more information about video consultations, please read my article. When a video consultation is not indicated, you will be let know in advance and recommend alternative solutions. In certain situations, a home visit can be arranged.
Yes, I am working with WPA, Aviva, Allianz, and Bupa Global/International. Please be aware that private medical insurance may not cover the cost of ADHD treatment, have a treatment cap limit and you should check in advance with your provider.
You can write to us at enquiries@adhdspecialist.com where Dr Ivantu will address your complaint and aim to provide a response within 28 days.
Dr Ivantu is offering assessments primarily via quality virtual consultations from his purpose-built video consultations studio in Oxford. He offers in-person follow-ups in particular during the weekend at 10 Harley Street, London, where this is clinically indicated and agreed upon by both sides.
Please note our service is open Friday - Monday 9 am - 5 pm.
The registered address of the ADHD Specialist Limited company is our medical accountant's address.
"All consultant psychiatrists should first be good doctors. The consultant psychiatrist is trained to assess the evidence base for specific approaches and interventions" - Royal College of Psychiatrists.
A good guide about how to become a psychiatrist in the UK, can be found here at the Royal College of Psychiatrists - Choose Psychiatry.
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