ADHD diagnosis information is essential for understanding Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals of all ages. Historically misunderstood as a disorder limited to hyperactive children or “naughty boys,” ADHD is now acknowledged to often persist into adulthood, affecting approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults globally.
Understanding the symptoms and assessment process is crucial for identifying and managing the condition effectively. Below is our comprehensive ADHD diagnosis information, including symptoms, causes, and available treatments, to help guide you toward the right path for diagnosis and care.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is characterised by a cluster of symptoms that disrupt everyday functioning. The most common include:
- Inattention: Struggling to focus, forgetfulness, and feeling disorganised.
- Hyperactivity: Excessive restlessness, difficulty staying seated, or fidgeting.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or impatience.
Please note that these are very general symptoms, and can appear in individuals who may not have ADHD.
Symptoms Vary Among Individuals
ADHD symptoms present differently in men, women, and children, making diagnosis complex. For example:
- Men and Boys: Often display external behaviours like hyperactivity or impulsiveness, making their symptoms easier to recognise.
- Women and Girls: Frequently exhibit internalised symptoms such as inattentiveness, forgetfulness, or emotional sensitivity, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.
It is crucial to remember that ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities. A comprehensive diagnosis is vital to rule out these overlapping conditions and ensure accurate identification.
Why seek an ADHD assessment?
Some people who seek an assessment for ADHD may have received mental health treatment in the past. Often, people may have been told that they are depressed and anxious. Following a diagnosis of ADHD, some people find that the underlying cause for their problems has been missed. There are an increasing number of stories of adults who have found help for ADHD after many years of struggle. These stories are prevalent in traditional media as well as social media platforms such as TikTok.
Seeking an ADHD assessment as an adult
When ADHD is recognised during childhood, the symptoms may be more obvious and clear cut. The signs may be very clear to others. Children who are hyperactive and whose behaviour appears difficult to manage are easy to spot, but there are many others who may be struggling just as much whose symptoms are less visible. This often accounts for cases of missed diagnosis. There are a number of myths around ADHD. In the past, one such myth would have been that a child who was intelligent and high achieving would not fit the profile for ADHD. However, many people have the capacity to function adequately well in spite of their different traits.
Some people who go on to receive a diagnosis of ADHD may have managed in the classroom because they were able to compensate for their poor attention through their intellect and ability to follow what was being said without having to make an effort to pay attention. Some people who receive a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood recall school reports that they failed to pay attention and would disrupt the class by talking. They may have been perceived by teachers as lazy or daydreaming even though there may have been good reason for this.
Other people may not discover they have ADHD until they progress further with their education and find that they are no longer able to rely on their ability to learn passively, or as some people might say, “by osmosis”. For others, they might not realise they have ADHD-like symptoms until other significant life events occur.
How ADHD is diagnosed
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis involves a detailed assessment process conducted by qualified professionals. Here’s what to expect during the evaluation:
- Initial Consultation: This session explores your personal and family medical history, current challenges, and the reasons you suspect ADHD.
- Symptom Evaluation: Tools such as self-reported questionnaires, behavioural checklists, and structured clinical interviews are used to assess symptoms comprehensively.
- Observation and Feedback: Clinicians observe behaviours and may gather input from family members or colleagues to understand how symptoms impact daily life.
- Ruling Out Other Conditions: Since ADHD symptoms can overlap with conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disorders, the process ensures other possible diagnoses are carefully considered.
Symptoms are then evaluated and clinicians assess symptoms against recognised diagnostic criteria, such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11 guidelines.
Why Diagnosis Is Important
Proper ADHD diagnosis information is essential for understanding the underlying causes of challenges and accessing the right treatment. Our clinic provides comprehensive ADHD diagnosis information for both adults and children, with no referral required.
With a clear diagnosis, individuals can gain insight into symptoms like inattention and impulsivity, and receive personalised treatment plans that include therapy and medication. This ensures effective symptom management and long-term support.
ADHD and parenthood
Sometimes it takes parenthood to uncover a diagnosis of ADHD. Parents may assume that they are not coping because they are not as able as other parents when the explanation is that they may have ADHD which has gone undiagnosed.
ADHD diagnosis information: A hereditary disorder
When a person receives a diagnosis of ADHD, it is not uncommon for members of their family to recognise that they have similar symptoms leading them to seek their own assessment. Sometimes, adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s do not come forward until their school aged child has been diagnosed with the disorder. In some families, it may be a long time before ADHD is recognised. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to say that they never knew they had the disorder because everyone in their family was the same. There are certain job roles which may expose problems with concentration, focus, and hyperactivity.
Causes of ADHD
There is not one accepted cause for ADHD. Like many conditions, there are likely to be several factors which lead to ADHD. Research suggested that the environment may be part of the answer. There are certain toxins which may increase the risk of the disorder. Given that ADHD is known to run in families, there is likely to be a genetic component to ADHD.
It is suspected that maternal smoking, and the use of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of ADHD. Being born prematurely, or at a low weight, may also increase the risk.
People have thought that eating too much sugar and spending too long on screens may lead to ADHD. However, there is no evidence to support this hypothesis even though these things may make the symptoms in ADHD worse. Some people believe that ADHD is a way of medicalising problem behaviour. This view is unfounded and may leave parents of children with ADHD feeling judged and inadequate. Nevertheless, routine is important for children and adults with ADHD. If structure and routine are not prioritised this can make it harder to live with the symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD diagnosis information on treatments
There are medications which may be used to treat ADHD. The first line options include a non-stimulant medication called atomoxetine, which is a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor.
The other first line medications are the stimulant medications. Within the stimulant group, there is the methylphenidate family of medications, and there is the amphetamine family of medications. Both the methylphenidate medications, and the amphetamine drugs have long-acting formulations, as well as the traditional short-acting preparations. Most adults will require a long-acting stimulant if they choose to try stimulant medication over atomoxetine. Atomoxetine, on the other hand, has to be take it every day to maintain a steady dose in the bloodstream. If you choose to undergo an ADHD assessment and receive a diagnosis of ADHD, your consultant psychiatrist will speak to you about your options for treatment. Not all treatments are suitable for everyone because some underlying health conditions or other medications may prevent the medication being used safely. For this reason, there are some pre-medication checks which have to take place. Information about these checks will be sent to you in written form before your initial assessment.
As well as psychotropic medication for ADHD, there are some talking-based therapies which you might consider. Some of these interventions follow a cognitive behavioural approach, whereas other interventions follow a coaching model and are often led by adults with lived experience of ADHD. Whether you choose to seek a talking based intervention or not, there are other resources which are available from our service to help you adapt to the diagnosis and seek reasonable adjustments to your day today life.
ADHD diagnosis information: FAQs
Q: Can ADHD symptoms vary between individuals?
Yes, ADHD symptoms vary significantly. Men and boys may display hyperactive behaviours, while women and girls are more likely to experience inattentiveness. Symptoms may also overlap with other conditions, requiring a thorough diagnostic process.
Q: Why is a comprehensive ADHD diagnosis important?
A detailed assessment ensures accuracy by ruling out conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities that share similar symptoms with ADHD.
Q: Can ADHD be diagnosed in adults?
Yes, ADHD is commonly diagnosed in adulthood, especially when individuals recognise lifelong challenges that have not been explained by other conditions.
Q: How long does the ADHD assessment process take?
The assessment process typically involves multiple sessions, including initial consultations, behavioural evaluations, and follow-ups to discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Q: Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
For private assessments, a referral is usually not required, and individuals can self-refer for a diagnosis.
Q: What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?
After diagnosis, treatment options such as medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes are discussed, alongside strategies to manage symptoms effectively.
Private ADHD diagnosis service
Our clinic offers comprehensive ADHD diagnosis information and assessment services tailored to both adults and children. With no need for referrals, individuals can book directly for a thorough evaluation by experienced psychiatrists.
Services include:
- Pre-assessment questionnaires to streamline the consultation process.
- Detailed diagnostic interviews to evaluate symptoms and behaviours.
- Clear, personalised recommendations for treatment and support.
Choosing private ADHD diagnosis services ensures a faster, more personalised pathway to clarity and care.