Understanding ADHD
Understanding ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the parts of the brain that help us plan, prioritise, focus on, and execute tasks. These are also known as executive function skills.
Every person with ADHD is unique. They have different strengths and face different challenges. Symptoms and intensity can vary but the key characteristics of ADHD are inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
It is estimated that around 4% of children in the UK have ADHD and around 3-4% of adults.
Support and treatment for ADHD
A range of support is available for children, young people and adults with ADHD, including peer support groups and networks, national charities and organisations that support mental health and wellbeing. Support is also available for family members through local organisations and groups that support children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
Find out more about local and national support for ADHD.
If needed, ADHD is usually treated with a combination of behavioural therapies and medication, if appropriate. Treatment is typically arranged by a specialist such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist, although the condition may be monitored by a GP.
You can find out more about the treatment of ADHD, including medication and therapy, on the NHS website guide to ADHD treatment.
Traits of ADHD
Signs of ADHD are often noticed at an early age and most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old. However, ADHD can be diagnosed later in childhood. When the symptoms were not identified during childhood, ADHD is diagnosed in adults. Diagnosis among adults is becoming increasingly common, and ADHD is recognised as a condition that both affects children and adults.
Core traits of ADHD
Many people with ADHD have traits that fall within all these areas, but this is not always the case. For example, around 2-3 in 10 people have problems with concentrating and focusing, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD was historically known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). Today, three types of ADHD are identified.
Types of ADHD
Many people with ADHD experience emotions differently to others and it is estimated that emotional dysregulation – that is, difficulty controlling your emotions – affects around 1 in 3 children with ADHD and 1 in 2 adults with ADHD.
Alongside the core traits and emotional dysregulation, people with ADHD can also have other neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health conditions.
Find out more about ADHD traits on the NHS website guide to ADHD symptoms and the ADHD Aware guide to ADHD symptoms.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
If you believe that your child is displaying signs of ADHD, talk to your GP or the SENCo at school (the school office will tell you who that is if you don’t know). If you believe you may have undiagnosed ADHD as an adult, talk to your GP in the first instance. They may recommend a period of ‘watchful waiting’ then suggest a referral for an ADHD assessment, if appropriate.
Some people may recognise signs of ADHD in themselves but choose not to pursue a diagnosis. If you feel you may have ADHD but don’t want a diagnosis, there is plenty of ADHD support and advice still available should you need it.
You can learn more on the NHS website guide to ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD assessments in Dorset
Children and adults may be referred to one of the following types of specialist for a formal ADHD assessment in Dorset:
There is not one specialist test that is carried out and the assessment is in-depth. It may include:
For children in the BCP Council area, assessment will usually take place through the Child Development Centre, which is part of University Hospitals Dorset. The University Hospitals Dorset website includes helpful information for families during the assessment process for neurodevelopmental conditions.
For children in the Dorset Council area, assessment will usually take place at Dorset County Hospital, although there are also outreach clinics in other areas including Blandford, Bridport and Weymouth.
You may have to wait some time to begin the diagnosis process for ADHD, and it can take several months to complete. If you need support whilst you’re waiting for an appointment, or for an assessment to be completed, you can find out more about the support available for people in the Find Support section of this website.
“When I was first diagnosed, it was a mix of relief and anxiety. It was a relief in that it explained a lot about me and I was able to get medication to support myself. The anxiety came from the fact it was a lifelong diagnosis – it wouldn’t change anything, but it’s something that’s a part of me now. “
