What is ADHD?
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still.
Symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder):
Symptoms of ADHD involve your ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and your ability to control your impulses (being impulsive).
You may show signs of being inattentive, such as:
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Being easily distracted or forgetful
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Finding it hard to organise your time
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Finding it hard to follow instructions or finish tasks
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Losing things often, like your wallet, mobile or keys
You may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:
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Having a lot of energy or feeling restless
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Being very talkative or interrupting conversations
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Making quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result
Most people with ADHD will have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type. These symptoms usually start before the age of 12.
Getting help with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder):
If your ADHD symptoms are affecting your studies, work or relationships, make an appointment with a GP to find out what support is available.
At your appointment, the GP will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also want to consider other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety, to help you get the right care.
After the appointment, the GP may decide to refer you for an assessment with a mental health professional specialising in ADHD.
If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and need help for your symptoms, talk to your GP about getting a referral.
People with ADHD may often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety or addictions, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.
What happens at an ADHD assessment:
Your appointment will be with an ADHD specialist such as a psychiatrist. They’ll ask about the history of your symptoms, particularly if they started when you were a child, and how these symptoms affected you at school.
The assessment will focus on different areas of your life, including:
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Work and education
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Family and friends
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Medical history, including any mental health issues
The specialist may want to contact someone who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend.
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will talk to you about what this means and what will happen next, including what help and support may be available.
Waiting times for ADHD assessments:
Waiting times vary and you may have to wait several months or years to access ADHD specialist services. You may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme.
Read about Right to Choose and your choices in the NHS:
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https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/
https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/
https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose/
You can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.
Find out more about diagnosis pathways for adults on the ADHD UK website: