ASSESMENT

  • Full ADHD assessment – i.e. no previous diagnosis of ADHD
  • Full ASD assessment – i.e. no previous diagnosis of ASD
  • What if I already have a diagnosis or not sure what kind of assessment I need
  • General Mental Health Assessment
Full ADHD assessment – i.e. no previous diagnosis of ADHD
We employ an evidence based, valid, full psychiatric and psychosocial interview to assess for adult ADHD and any other condition that might mimic ADHD symptoms. A full assessment takes no less than 2 hours to complete (often more). On the day of the assessment, we will invite you and, if possible, an informant to collect collateral history. Prior to the meeting, we will ask you and the informant to complete several  rating scales and questionnaires focused on ADHD and other conditions that might co-exist or mimic ADHD symptoms. Rating scales and questionnaires are always used in conjunction with diagnostic information gathered during the psychiatric and psychosocial interview and never used alone to reach a diagnostic conclusion.
Full ASD assessment – i.e. no previous diagnosis of ASD

The assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders that we employ (the “AAA assessment”) involves a comprehensive psychosocial clinical interview with the patient and an informant, and the use of ASD specific rating scales and questionnaires including the Autistic Quotient scale (AQ); Emotional Quotient scale (EQ); RQ (CAST-revised); AAA; Patient Questionnaire (PQ).  Moreover, we will look at possible conditions that might mimic ASD symptoms and to symptoms that might be a sign of the existence of conditions that might co-exist with ASD (e.g. ADHD). In general, the assessment will take a minimum of 2 hours, very often more. After the assessment, we will review the data and write a full report with the diagnostic conclusions and recommendations. During the assessment, an informant who knew the client as a child must be present as there will be important questions regarding early childhood (before age 6).

The AAA assessment is the gold standard for assessing ASD in adults (in particular, Asperger’s syndrome, high functioning autism).

What if I already have a diagnosis or not sure what kind of assessment I need
If you already have a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD earlier in life, and you wish to have a consultation with our experts –  in order to resume treatment for example –  feel free to contact us. We will review the diagnosis and, if needed, we will devise a tailored treatment plan. The interview process will be similar to that conducted for a full assessment. If instead you are not sure what kind of assessment you need (if any), simply send us an email and we will be able to discuss your case and offer you advice.
General Mental Health Assessment
Given our clinicians are experienced professionals, and given ADHD and ASD are often co-morbid with several other mental health conditions, the Clinic also offers assessment and treatment for a wide range of general mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, substance abuse/misuse, personality disorders, anger outbursts and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The general mental health assessment follows a standardized diagnostic clinical interview with the aid of several rating scales that the patient will need to complete before the clinical interview. Sometimes informants are asked to join the process, which lasts not less than 2 hours.

TREATMENT

  • PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS
  • PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS
PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS
Medication is the first-line treatment for ADHD, unless the patient prefers psychological treatment. Medication is part of a comprehensive treatment program addressing psychological, behavioural and educational or occupational needs. Our Psychiatrist will be able to provide the most appropriate pharmacological intervention that works for you.

For ASD, pharmacological intervention is not the first choice, psychological therapies are shown to be effective in addressing the core symptoms of ASD. However, if other conditions co-exists (e.g. anxiety, depressive disorder) then medication treatment might be a appropriate.

For other general mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, substance abuse/misuse, personality disorders, anger outbursts and other impulsive based disorders such as OCD, the treatment plan usually combines pharmacological and psychological interventions.
PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS
Evidence-based psychological therapies include all the following; modified versions of CBT, and Integrative approaches are also adapted to treat other general mental health conditions.

Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) for Adult ADHD

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies tailored to ADHD symptomatology is an effective treatment for ADHD in adults. A recent study showed that the effect of medication was augmented by CBT but, strikingly, medication did not impact on the capacity to learn the skills taught during CBT. This suggests that CBT can be effective in adults with ADHD, even in patients who cannot tolerate stimulants.

Mindfulness based CBT for Adult ADHD

In recent years, mindfulness based CBT has been showed to improve attention, reduce stress, and improve mood. Studies examining the efficacy of mindfulness based cognitive therapy show improvements in ADHD symptoms and performance on neuropsychological tasks measuring attention and impulsivity. Improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms were also observed.

Psychoeducation and Social Cognition Training for ASD

This approach has the aim to improve individuals’ ability to grasp social cues and, as a consequence, improve social functioning. Indeed, one problem central to individuals with autism is impaired social cognitive functioning. These social impairments encompass basic emotion recognition (reading specific emotions from human faces), theory of mind deficits (inferring intentions and beliefs in others and themselves) and other social cues (e.g. vocal tone), significantly affecting the lives of people with ASD and their families. The training employed here will focus in enhancing emotion recognition using external cues, role playing, facial emotion and prosody/vocal tone/body language recognition training tasks.

Integrative approach for Adult ADHD and ASD

Research evidence also shows treatment effect when employing an integrative treatment approach based on cognitive behavioural (CBT), systemic paradigms, and attachment theories. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has also shown promising results.

ADHD or ASD focused couple therapy

Couples where one of the members suffers from ADHD (with or without ASD) commonly experience significant problems and conflicts in several domains including: chore-sharing, finance management and planning, sexual intimacy, communications, child-rearing style, anger outbursts, just to name a few. Integrating several techniques from psychoeducation, systemic theory, mindfulness and CBT approaches, we will be able to foster understanding, change and wellbeing. Some examples of what kind of change you should expect:

  • A self-centred partner finally listens and shows empathy toward his spouse.
  • The compulsive spender is able to self-regulate his spending habits having in mind his family financial security.
  • The impulsive parent mindfully responds more calmly to her children’s behaviour.
  • The “drama couple” finally finds new positive ways to channel creativity and energy.

In sum, adults with ADHD will be able to act more mindfully, with more insight and be able to develop new healthier habits and being more emotionally connected with their loved ones.

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  • I started my journey with diagnosing possible adult ADHD in May 2017, having spent around 9 months struggling with various NHS departments I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. I researched online and found a number of reviews and recommendations for the Cambridge Adult ADHD & ASD Clinic, including being listed in the AADD-UK list of specialists. From my very first interactions with the clinic my entire experience was elevated from that which I received with the NHS. Staff were quick to respond, took genuine interest in my queries and were helpful in providing advice. I was able to have an appointment within 2 weeks of initial contact and received my diagnosis shortly after. From 9 months of waiting to less than a month to get into a position where I could finally be helped. The assessment services were thorough and instilled me with confidence that I was in the right hands. My assessment and subsequent treatment has always felt tailored to my needs and requirements rather than following a pre-defined script. The care I have received throughout has restored my faith in good practitioners being available. I would highly recommend the services provided by Dr Pironti and his colleagues. J.B.
  • I was initially sceptical about approaching a private clinic but was reassured to find that Dr Pironti had worked in the Cambridge NHS service for several years and published research in peer-reviewed journals. I found Dr Pironti down to earth and understanding while clearly possessing genuine expertise in relation to ADHD. After completing and submitting the required paperwork my assessment via Skype was comprehensive and I appreciated the explanation of the process that was given once Dr Pironti had reached his conclusion. Follow up sessions to arrange medication and check my progress were conducted in a manner which was thorough yet remained light-hearted and personal. It was a great relief to be in the care of professionals with so much knowledge about ADHD and a passion to help patients to better understand and cope with it. I have been helped enormously by the Cambridge Adult ADHD Clinic and would whole-heartedly recommend them to others. A.C. Cambridge
  • “Dr Pironti and his team were recommended and from when I first called their office, I knew we were in good hands.  It was clear this clinic is focused on the clients well-being.  I initially called to discuss addiction issues and after a thorough conversation, it was suggested our son call the office personally.  They soon established there were other issues and our son agreed to meet with Dr Pironti to discuss his undiagnosed ADD. Dr Pironti is specialist in this area and was fantastic from the beginning.  We met this week and there was an immediate sense of ease and we were aware of thoughtfully directed questions, keeping us on track.  He explained where necessary, the workings of the brain and its impact on certain behaviours.  The meeting was invaluable and our son definitely took on board the necessary information to keep him aware of his good and bad decisions and their long term effects.  Dr Pironti was extremely knowledgeable and genuine, offering further contact, should our son have any difficulties or concerns, very comforting for a young person who might not always be willing to discuss their issues with parents.  He reminded our son that he is one of a larger family unit and to remain mindful of his actions, suggested in a careful and thoughtful manner.  Our son was relieved and happy to have had this meeting and came away saying that he understood himself better and tells us, he will put in a place a better regime, now knowing his areas of impulsivity.  We will book further consultations and feel extremely lucky to have come across this team of caring professionals within the field of therapy, an area we did not feel sure about.  We would absolutely recommend Dr Pironti and his team.” A.D. Cambridge
  • “Having spent some considerable time researching a clinician who fit criteria that involved qualifications, expertise, and location, I chose Cambridge Adult ADHD Clinic. My consultation was incredibly thorough, exacting and I had a full sense of confidence that whatever results would come to pass, they would reflect a robust examination. I felt Dr Pironti was emphatic, appropriately judicious in his collection of information and put my mind at ease that no conclusions would be reached before everything that he needed was examined. His knowledge sharing with me put me at ease, he was conversational, not at all patronizing or judgmental and having a long history of dealing with poor even frustrating communication from health practitioners, I was relieved and delighted that he was in fact the contrary. He seems to value patient dialogue and is both holistic in his approach as well as scientific, which I think puts him at a distinct advantage. At every stage, I was communicated with, the collection of information was robust and the entire experience from start to finish was not in fact stressful, but enlightening.  I most wholeheartedly endorse him and think anybody who has or thinks they may have ADHD symptoms would value time spent exploring this clinic.” JM, Jan 24, 2017