Book your assessment now for £269. Pay in 3 or 4 instalments at no extra cost.

Client area
Book now
Client area
Book now

Understanding ADHD

This page provides information about our services, as well as more general information if you are seeking to learn more about ADHD symptoms and treatment.

Book an Assessment

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  ADHD is not just about being ‘hyperactive’ or ‘distracted’. It’s a complex condition that impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from school or work performance to relationships.

Symptoms of ADHD

Assessments for ADHD look for symptoms of attention deficit, hyperactivity or impulsivity.

  • Symptoms of attention deficit can include struggles to pay or sustain attention, making careless mistakes, finishing and organising tasks, listening, being distracted.
  • Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include fidgeting, feeling restless, engaging in leisure and social situations, communication, impatience and interruptions.

These symptoms are traits that many people have. In order to meet the threshold for a clinical diagnosis, experts will assess for the degree of impairment these symptoms have caused – both in childhood and adulthood – and across many domains of life such as work, education, relationships, family, social contacts, hobbies, and self-confidence/image.

What does the evidence say about ADHD diagnosis treatment?

The NICE guidelines (NG87, 2018) set the gold standard for ADHD diagnosis and management.

Download here

Diagnosis of ADHD

  • The NICE guidelines state:“diagnosis should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD.”

  • To receive a diagnosis the person must “meet the diagnostic criteria in DSM‑5 or ICD‑11″ and the symptoms must “cause psychological, social, educational or occupational impairment and be pervasive, occurring in 2 or more important settings including social, familial, educational and/or occupational settings.”

Treatment of ADHD

The NICE guidelines state that people diagnosed with ADHD should receive a holistic package of care including psychostimulant medication and a structured psychological programme.

ADHD medication

NICE guidelines recommend medication as a first line treatment for ADHD and emphasises that they should be used in combination with behavioural interventions.

Pros of ADHD medication:

  • Symptom Reduction: ADHD medications can significantly reduce core symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This can lead to improved focus, better impulse control, and reduced restlessness.
  • Improved Daily Functioning: By managing the symptoms, medications can also enhance daily life functioning. This includes improved academic or occupational performance, enhanced social interactions, and better self-esteem.
  • Immediate Effect: Unlike some other interventions, medications can have an immediate effect on symptoms, providing quicker relief.

 

Cons of ADHD Medication:

  • Side Effects: ADHD medications can have side effects, including loss of appetite, sleep problems, mood swings, and in rare cases, cardiovascular issues.
  • Not a Cure: Medication manages the symptoms but does not cure ADHD. Symptoms often return when medication is stopped.
  • Individual Differences: Not everyone responds to ADHD medication in the same way. It can take time and adjustments to find the most effective medication and dosage.
  • Medication Tolerance: Tolerance to medication is a phenomenon that can occur with prolonged use.

Psychological interventions for ADHD