If you think you or your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speak to a GP. You can also speak to your child’s teacher or their school’s special educational needs co-ordinator .

The GP cannot formally diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you for a specialist assessment, if necessary. Your school may also be able to arrange a specialist referral for your child.

When you see a GP, they may ask you:

about your symptoms or those of your child

when these symptoms started

where the symptoms occur – for example, at home, in school, college or university, or at work

whether the symptoms affect your or your child's day-to-day life – for example, if they make socialising difficult

if there have been any recent significant events in your or your child's life, such as a death or divorce in the family

if there's a family history of ADHD

about any other problems or symptoms of different health conditions you or your child may have

Next steps

Children and teenagers

If the GP thinks your child may have ADHD, they may first suggest a period of "watchful waiting" – lasting around 10 weeks – to see if your child's symptoms improve, stay the same or get worse.

They may also suggest starting a group-based, ADHD-focused parent training or education programme. Being offered a parent training and education programme does not mean you have been a bad parent – it aims to teach you ways of helping yourself and your child.

If your child's behaviour does not improve, and both you and the GP believe it's affecting their day-to-day life, the GP should refer you and your child to a specialist for a formal assessment.

Adults

For adults with possible ADHD, the GP will assess your symptoms and may refer you for an assessment if:

you were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but your symptoms began during childhood and have been ongoing since

your symptoms cannot be explained by a mental health condition

your symptoms significantly affect your day-to-day life – for example, if you're underachieving at work or find intimate relationships difficult

You may also be referred to a specialist if you had ADHD as a child or young person and your symptoms are now causing moderate or severe functional impairment.

Assessment

You or your child may be referred to 1 of the following types of specialist for a formal assessment:

a specialist child or adult psychiatrist

a paediatrician – a specialist in children's health

an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD

Who you're referred to depends on your age and what's available in your local area.

There's no simple test to determine whether you or your child has ADHD, but your specialist can make an accurate diagnosis after a detailed assessment. The assessment may include:

A physical examination, which can help rule out other possible causes for the symptoms

A series of interviews with you or your child

Interviews or reports from other significant people, such as partners, parents and teachers

Diagnosis in children and teenagers

Diagnosing ADHD in children depends on a set of strict criteria. To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentiveness, or 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must also have:

been displaying symptoms continuously for at least 6 months

started to show symptoms before the age of 12

been showing symptoms in at least 2 different settings – for example, at home and at school, to rule out the possibility that the behaviour is just a reaction to certain teachers or to parental control

symptoms that make their lives considerably more difficult on a social, academic or occupational level

symptoms that are not just part of a developmental disorder or difficult phase, and are not better accounted for by another condition

Diagnosis in adults

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult because there's some disagreement about whether the list of symptoms used to diagnose children and teenagers also applies to adults.

In some cases, an adult may be diagnosed with ADHD if they have 5 or more of the symptoms of inattentiveness, or 5 or more of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, listed in diagnostic criteria for children with ADHD.

As part of your assessment, the specialist will ask about your present symptoms. However, under current diagnostic guidelines, a diagnosis of ADHD in adults cannot be confirmed unless your symptoms have been present from childhood.

If you find it difficult to remember whether you had problems as a child, your specialist may wish to see your old school records, or talk to your parents, teachers or anyone else who knew you well when you were a child.

For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, their symptoms should also have a moderate effect on different areas of their life, such as:

Underachieving at work or in education

Driving dangerously

Difficulty making or keeping friends

Difficulty in relationships with partners

If your problems are recent and did not occur regularly in the past, you're not considered to have ADHD. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD cannot develop for the first time in adults. - NHS

Treating ADHD typically involves a multifaceted approach, combining medication, behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes, and support systems to manage symptoms effectively. Here’s a detailed look at the various treatment options for ADHD:

Medication

Medications are often used to help reduce symptoms of ADHD, making it easier for individuals to focus, control impulses, and manage their behaviour.

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies and modify behaviours that cause problems in daily life.

For Children

Parent Training: Parents learn strategies to help manage their child's behaviour, such as positive reinforcement, setting clear rules, and consistent discipline.

Behavioural Interventions in School: Teachers and school staff use structured techniques to improve behaviour and academic performance, such as behaviour charts and reward systems.

Social Skills Training: Helps children learn how to interact appropriately with peers and improve their social interactions.

For Adults

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals with ADHD change negative thought patterns and develop better problem-solving and organizational skills.

Skills Training: Focuses on improving time management, organizational skills, and planning.

Coaching: ADHD coaches work with individuals to set goals, develop strategies, and maintain accountability.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact ADHD symptoms.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity, and promote better sleep.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables can support brain health. Some individuals may benefit from reducing sugar and processed foods.

Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring adequate, quality sleep is crucial for managing symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a calm sleep environment can help.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve focus.

Educational Support

For children and adolescents, educational support can be crucial for success in school.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Customized educational plans that provide specific accommodations and support in the classroom.

Tutoring and Academic Coaching: Additional academic support to help with challenging subjects and improve study skills.

Support Systems

Having a strong support system is vital for individuals with ADHD.

Support Groups: Joining support groups for ADHD can provide a sense of community and shared experiences.

Family and Friends: Educating family and friends about ADHD can help them provide better support and understanding.

Professional Support: Working with therapists, counsellors, and ADHD coaches can provide ongoing support and strategies for managing symptoms.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

ADHD is a lifelong condition, and treatment plans often need adjustments over time.

Regular Check-Ups: Ongoing communication with healthcare providers to monitor progress and make necessary changes to medication or therapy.

Self-Advocacy: Encouraging individuals with ADHD to advocate for their needs in educational, professional, and social settings.

A comprehensive treatment plan that combines medication, behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes, and robust support systems can effectively manage ADHD symptoms and improve quality of life for people with ADHD. With the right treatment and support, individuals with ADHD can achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Managing ADHD effectively involves adopting strategies that help improve focus, organization, and emotional regulation. Here are some practical tips for managing ADHD:

Organizational Strategies

Use Planners and Calendars:

Keep a physical or digital planner to schedule tasks, appointments, and deadlines.

Use color-coding to differentiate between types of activities.

Create To-Do Lists:

Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines.

Set Reminders:

Use alarms and notifications to remind you of tasks and appointments.

Set reminders for regular breaks to avoid burnout.

Declutter Your Space:

Keep your work and living areas organized.

Use storage solutions like bins, shelves, and labels to maintain order.

Establish Routines:

Develop consistent daily routines to create structure.

Stick to a regular schedule for waking up, meals, and bedtime.

Time Management

Time Blocking:

Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities.

Include time for breaks and leisure activities.

Use Timers:

Use timers to stay focused on tasks for a set period (e.g., Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break).

Limit Distractions:

Identify and minimize potential distractions (e.g., turn off notifications, create a quiet workspace).

Use apps or tools that block distracting websites during work periods.

Focus and Productivity

Prioritize Tasks:

Focus on high-priority tasks first.

Use the "Two-Minute Rule": If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.

Break Tasks into Chunks:

Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.

Tackle one part at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Active:

Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine to improve focus and reduce restlessness.

Take short, active breaks during work or study sessions.

Emotional Regulation

Mindfulness and Meditation:

Practice mindfulness and meditation to improve focus and reduce stress.

Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration.

Deep Breathing Exercises:

Use deep breathing techniques to calm down during stressful moments.

Try techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 method.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Maintain a balanced diet, rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

Ensure you get regular exercise and sufficient sleep.

Support and Resources

Seek Professional Help:

Work with healthcare providers to find the right medication and therapy.

Consider cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to develop coping strategies.

Join Support Groups:

Connect with others who have ADHD for support and shared experiences.

Participate in online forums or local support groups.

Educate Yourself and Others:

Learn about ADHD to better understand your symptoms and how to manage them.

Educate family, friends, and colleagues about ADHD to foster understanding and support.

Self-Care

Practice Self-Compassion:

Be kind to yourself and recognize your achievements, no matter how small.

Avoid negative self-talk and set realistic expectations.

Pursue Hobbies and Interests:

Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.

Allocate time for hobbies that stimulate your creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Stay Connected:

Maintain social connections with friends and family.

Spend time with supportive people who understand your challenges.

By implementing these strategies, People with ADHD can improve their ability to manage symptoms and lead more organized, productive, and fulfilling lives.