Psychiatric treatments for young people in Oxford

An initial assessment typically takes between one to one and a half hours but can vary, depending on individual circumstances. It includes conversation with parents, usually in the presence of the young person in order to keep things transparent. I also talk with the young person, either with or without parents present, depending on the young person’s age and preference. I then discuss with parents and the young person my recommendations for the best way forward, including psychological support and/or medication. If traits associated with ADHD or ASD are identified, a follow-on assessment for these conditions is recommended.

A prescription is provided at the appointment if the young person is commenced on medication, unless there are underlying health conditions that require further examination/investigations, or baseline investigations are required before prescribing the medication.

A report on the assessment findings is provided following the initial appointment.

Prior to assessment, some written narrative information from parents and from the young person’s school/college is requested via supplied semi-structured forms. In addition, in may be necessary for parents, school/college staff and, where old enough, the young person to complete supplied screening questionnaires.

The assessment appointment typically takes between one and a half to two hours, though can vary, depending on individual circumstances. The session involves conversation with parents and the young person about current difficulties, as well as background information, including early development. If a diagnosis is reached, treatment options are discussed, including behavioural and environmental strategies for parents and teachers, and medication. Families are provided with various sources of further information, including literature on the disorder and useful websites.

Should medication be recommended, a brief physical examination is conducted and a prescription is usually issued on the same day, unless there are underlying health conditions that require further examination/investigations.

A report on the assessment findings is provided following the appointment.

Prior to assessment, some written narrative information from parents and the young person’s school/college is requested via supplied semi-structured forms. It may also be necessary for parents, school/college staff and, where old enough, the young person to complete supplied screening questionnaires.

The assessment process requires three appointments.

1. A developmental history session for parents to discuss with me the young person’s early development and current behaviours, which can take between one to one and a half hours. If I have not met the young person previously, we also meet briefly at this appointment.
2. The young person attends a session with one of my colleagues to complete a structured play-based assessment for autism, known as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This takes up to one and a half hours.
3. A follow-up appointment with me to discuss the outcome of assessment and my recommendations, which can take up to half an hour. I also provide information about the disorder, as well as other useful resources.

The first two appointments can be held simultaneously and the follow-up appointment can be scheduled later the same day or on a different day, depending upon individual circumstances.

A report on the assessment findings is provided after the follow-up appointment.

Please note that an additional initial psychiatric assessment may be required prior to assessment for ASD for cases referred via private medical insurance. This may also be necessary for self-funding parents if the referral is not sufficiently clear about the young person’s symptoms, or if there are associated issues such as anxiety, depression or challenging behaviour which need to be addressed before an assessment for ASD can be considered.

This is similar to an assessment for ASD, except that the developmental history appointment may sometimes take up to two hours.

If a diagnosis is reached, we discuss treatment options, including behavioural and environmental strategies for parents and teachers, and medication. Written information about the disorders and other useful resources are provided.

Should medication be recommended, a brief physical examination is conducted at the follow-up appointment. A prescription is typically issued on the same day unless there are underlying health conditions that require further examination/investigations.

A report on the assessment findings is provided after the follow-up appointment.

As with an ASD assessment, an initial psychiatric assessment might be required in advance for particular cases.

The purpose of these sessions is to review mental state and/or medication as part of ongoing treatment for any of the aforementioned conditions. They usually take a maximum of half an hour.