ADHD Psychiatrist

About Dr Devika Colwill

About Dr Devika Colwill

Consultant Psychiatrist

About2022-11-15T06:32:33+00:00

Have you been told that you have so much potential, if only you could get your act together?

Maybe you already enjoy some success but have a nagging feeling you are still not pulling your weight, and fear that your colleagues or employers would agree.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted all the time? Do you struggle to get task done because your head feels so busy?

Despite your abundant creativity and energy, do you feel like a hamster on a wheel – constantly busy, but not achieving anything? Always late and losing things?

Are your relationships suffering at home and work? Do friends and family joke about your failings and do you suspect they have a point?

If you can identify with some of the above, you may have ADHD. If you want to get your life back on track and achieve your full potential, I am here to help.

My name is Devika Colwill. I am a consultant psychiatrist and fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, with 18 years of clinical experience in mental health, with specialist expertise in neurodiversity (treating conditions like autism and ADHD).

I provide comprehensive assessments and a variety of tailored treatment options for adults with ADHD.

I am a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and am approved by the Secretary of State under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act for specialist expertise in assessment and treatment of mental disorders.

At the ADHD Psychiatrist clinic, I will listen without judgement and help you work through the ADHD assessment together and create a tailored treatment plan for you.

A bit about me..

I understand at a personal level the challenges of neurodiversity. I grew up without electricity in a rural village in Kerala, India, studying by candlelight and kerosene lamp.

I walked 10km each day in the first few months to attend college before graduating to medical school at the age of 17. My ambition was to attend Oxford University, which I finally achieved as a postgraduate some years later.

I now live in Sussex with my family, and look forward to spending time with loved ones in Kerala, France and the Southwest. I love walking in the woods, swimming in the ocean, yoga and meditation.

I take pride in my ability to understand and relate to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. I have assessed and treated presidents and CEOs of well-known companies and organisations in my private practice. In the NHS I have provided treatment for a wide variety of people including the homeless and sex workers. It is the same human stories and challenges I hear everywhere. The names change, cultures change, finances change, but the narratives and emotions remain the same.

Of course, don’t take my word for it, have a look at the testimonial section.

Contact Us
How much does treatment cost?2022-11-19T12:36:33+00:00

The cost of the ADHD / Autism assessment is £1,200, with follow-up consultations costing £250.

In addition, you will need to pay for any medication you are prescribed.

Should I disclose my diagnosis?2022-11-10T13:57:03+00:00

While we would generally encourage people to be honest, we appreciate that the choice to disclose a mental health diagnosis with partners, loved ones or employers involve a lot of careful consideration. Often loved ones can feel a sense of relief, when they can understand your difficulties better.

Employers in the UK have become more receptive to the mental health needs of their employees in recent years, and you may be pleasantly surprised to discover the number of adjustments that they are prepared to make to get the best out of you.

Following a diagnosis, you are welcome to discuss such decisions with me, along with any other concerns you might have.

Will I have to take medication?2022-11-10T13:56:43+00:00

Usually yes, but this is not always the case. There are adults who learn how to manage their condition without the long-term use of medication.

During your initial consultation, I will give you a range of resources and treatment options that you can choose from.

What does treatment involve?2022-11-10T13:56:09+00:00

ADHD can manifest itself in different ways, so people with this diagnosis will have differing needs.

I tailor an approach that may involve medication, talking therapy, and life skills training.

The aim is to provide you with the tools you need to manage your symptoms and improve your personal and professional relationships so that you can lead a more productive and fulfilling life.

How long does treatment last?2022-11-10T13:55:07+00:00

If you choose medication, it will involve an initial period of monthly reviews until we get the right medication and dosage. This process would normally take between three and five months, although in some cases it may take longer.

After this, in consultation with you, I can transfer your care over to your GP under the shared care scheme. This means your care is shared between your GP and me as your specialist, with regular reviews conducted by me every six months.

Your GP will do your prescribing under this scheme.

I will talk you through approaches other than medication during the consultation, which you may find helpful to enable decision making.

It is best to think of ADHD management as a long-term commitment, as it is about nurturing your strengths and managing the difficulties you experience in day-to-day life.

Can I recover from ADHD with treatment?2022-11-10T13:53:59+00:00

Yes, although it is more accurate to think in terms of learning to live successfully with ADHD.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral condition, with symptoms generally starting to show in childhood, whether someone is diagnosed with it or not.

People with ADHD have a lot of strengths, including creative thinking, boundless energy and enthusiasm.

I have come across a whole spectrum of people with ADHD including chief executives, doctors, entrepreneurs and other professionals, as well as people who failed at school or who have been in trouble with the law.

The people who get the best out of treatment are the ones who accept themselves as who they are, learn to nurture their strengths, and take full responsibility to manage their difficulties.

Frequently asked questions

Be your best self with ADHD

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