Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental condition characterised by problems paying attention, excessive activity, or difficulty controlling behaviour which is not appropriate for a person's age.
ADHD can be identified by two specific types of behavioural problems: inattentiveness, and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
​
Most people with ADHD have problems that fall into both these categories, but this is not always the case.
​
For example, some people with the condition may have problems with inattentiveness, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD can sometimes go unnoticed because the symptoms may be less obvious.
​
​The symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers are well defined, and they are usually noticeable before the age of 6. They occur in more than one situation, such as at home and at school.
​
In adults, the symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to define. This is largely due to a lack of research into adults with ADHD, but it is known that symptoms of ADHD often persist from childhood into a person's teenage years and then adulthood.
ADHD can cooccur with other conditions, such as:​
​
-
Anxiety disorder – which causes your child to worry and be nervous much of the time; it may also cause physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating and dizziness.
-
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) – this is defined by negative and disruptive behaviour, particularly towards authority figures, such as parents and teachers.
-
Conduct disorder – this often involves a tendency towards highly antisocial behaviour, such as stealing, fighting, vandalism and harming people or animals.
-
Depression.
-
Sleep problems – finding it difficult to get to sleep at night, and having irregular sleeping patterns.
-
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) – this affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.
-
Epilepsy – a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated fits or seizures.
-
Tourette's syndrome – a condition of the nervous system, characterised by a combination of involuntary noises and movements (tics).
-
Specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) – such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia.
​
​
Screeners
Find below a child and an adult screener for ADHD.
​
​​
​
​
Next Steps
ADHD can be diagnosed by a Educational Psychologist for child and for medical purposes in adults.
Alternatively, a Specialist Assessor with a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) can diagnose ADHD in adults for educational or work purposes only. For example, for a Disability Support Allowance application for support at University, or to support an application for Access to Work Funding.
​
The cost for an Adult ADHD Assessment is £495.00
​
To contact us regarding booking in an Adult Full Diagnostic Assessment for ADHD for educational or work purposes click here.
​
For Adult Medical ADHD Assessments or for support regarding diagnosing a child please speak with your GP regarding The Right to Choose diagnostic pathway.
For additional support or advice:
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-children-teenagers/
​
​AADD-UK: https://aadduk.org/
​
Transformation Partners In Health and Care https://www.transformationpartners.nhs.uk/programmes/mental-health-transformation/cyp-adhd-resources/
​
Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/conditions/adhd/