ADHD
ADHD is a condition that affects both adults and children. The condition affects up to 5% of the adult population, although a significant number have not received a diagnosis due to several factors, including the waiting times to be assessed in the UK through the NHS. Luckily, some private providers offer an ADHD assessment and subsequent ADHD treatments, which can include medicines, counselling, support through groups, activities and webinars, along with other forms of treatment.
ADHD Clinic
If you feel that you may have symptoms of ADHD, contact a UK ADHD clinic and get an assessment. It may be that you have some symptoms but not necessarily a diagnosis of ADHD. In this case, other conditions, including ASD (autism spectrum disorder) may be present, or it could be that you display an overlapping combination of symptoms that require further specialist investigation.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The condition is seen in childhood (before the age of 12 years) and can in many cases continue into adulthood. Once seen as a condition typified by 'the badly behaved boy', it is now acknowledged to include many symptoms affecting both males and females. The condition can affect the mind, with minimal physical symptoms, or be prevalent as symptoms that present as hyperactivity such as the inability to sit in one place for a long time or the constant need to fiddle or fidget with objects ranging from pens, keys and even the person's hair.
ADHD Assessment
For a diagnosis of ADHD, the common ADHD assessment criteria used in the UK (as per NICE guidance) states that there must be a range of symptoms present, stemming from childhood (before the age of 12 years i.e. usually during primary school and the first year of secondary school) and impacting several settings, such as work, social, educational and family environments.
If you are wondering if you have symptoms of ADHD, firstly, we recommend that you speak with your GP for an initial assessment to make sure that any symptoms which may not be indicative of ADHD are considered so that anything else can be treated appropriately with the correct referrals and safety mechanisms put in place. Following this, you may have several options for an ADHD diagnosis, which include being treated via the NHS, having the right to choose (RTC) a provider following an NHS referral, or selecting to go private.
ADHD Treatments
When it comes to selecting the ADHD treatments that are available in the UK, you, if diagnosed, will be able to discuss options with your clinician. There are several medical options as well as other forms of therapy, including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).
Medical treatments for ADHD may include stimulants, such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate. These are available as brands that include Elvanse Adult (lisdexamfetamine), and Concerta XL, Equasym and Xaggitin XL (methylphenidate).
What do I need to do if I have concerns?
If you are concerned about ADHD, your mental health, or any other issues, symptoms or changes, you must contact a suitable clinical service at the earliest opportunity. In the UK, this may be by telephoning your GP practice during the hours that they are open or contacting NHS 111 by telephoning 111 or visiting NHS 111 online at the web address https://111.nhs.uk/. In an emergency, you must telephone 999 immediately if you are in the UK.
This website is intended for use in Great Britain only. For visitors to this website in countries other than the UK, you must seek help from your local emergency services immediately.
There are several remote ADHD clinics in the UK offering assessments online (using a mobile phone, PC, laptop, or other appropriate device).