Adult Assessments

Bariatric Surgery | ADHD

Lareena Brown Why Weight Psychology Assessments

Why Weight Psychology offers psychological assessments for:

  • Before undergoing bariatric surgery, patients are sometimes referred by their surgeon to undergo psychological assessment to evaluate their readiness for the procedure. This evaluation helps identify any psychological issues that could impact surgery outcomes.

  • I have completed additional training in the assessment and management of ADHD, and have a keen interest in the relationship between neurodiversity and eating and weight issues.

Bariatric Surgery Assessments

Bariatric surgery is a significant medical intervention for people struggling with a high BMI, offering a pathway to improved health and quality of life. However, the journey before and after surgery can be challenging both physically and emotionally.

I provide support to patients at every stage of their bariatric surgery journey, ensuring to help them mentally and emotionally prepare for the changes ahead, and to make lasting lifestyle and behavioural changes to support their health.

Before undergoing bariatric surgery, patients are sometimes referred by their surgeon to undergo psychological assessment to evaluate their readiness for the procedure. This evaluation helps identify any psychological issues that could impact surgery outcomes.

I do this by a session with the patient to:

  • Evaluate your mental health status.

  • Identify any potential barriers to success, such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.

  • Provide a report to the surgeon to inform them of any psychological considerations.

The psychologist’s role is not to act as a gatekeeper to surgery! But they can help in flagging any important considerations with the surgeon, and help you to prepare for your procedure.

ADHD Assessments: Eating Disorders & Neurodiversity

Emerging research points to a complex relationship between ADHD, weight, and disordered eating. Some studies suggest that around 40% of people with a BMI of 40 or above have ADHD.

Psychologists are seeing that more and more of their clients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) actually have underlying ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD, including difficulties with impulse control, emotion regulation, planning and organisation, and attention to time and hunger cues may be driving binge eating in a significant proportion of sufferers.

This is why it is important for qualified mental health professionals to screen for ADHD in people with disordered eating, and to carry out a full assessment if indicated.

Knowing whether you have ADHD can help your care team to create the most appropriate treatment plan for you, and help you to better understand and manage the difficulties you are facing.

Do you suspect that you may have ADHD or do you require support for Bariatric Surgery? Contact Why Weight Psychology to arrange an assessment.