{"id":1772,"date":"2023-12-01T15:06:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T15:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nhsdorset.nhs.uk\/neurodiversity\/?page_id=1772&preview_id=1772"},"modified":"2025-03-21T17:23:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T17:23:59","slug":"adhd","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nhsdorset.nhs.uk\/neurodiversity\/explore\/adhd\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding ADHD"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Understanding ADHD<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Understanding ADHD<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It is estimated that around 4% of children in the UK have ADHD and around 3-4% of adults.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Support and treatment<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Traits of ADHD<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Diagnosis of ADHD<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\u201cMy ADHD diagnosis made sense of so much in my life – I’m much more forgiving to myself now”<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

Sarah, Bournemouth<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Your neurodiversity stories<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Support and treatment for ADHD<\/h2><\/div>

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.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Support is also available for family members through local organisations and groups that support children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.<\/p>\n

Find out more about local and national support for ADHD.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Children with ADHD<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Young people with ADHD<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Adults with ADHD<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can find out more about the\u00a0<\/span>treatment of ADHD, including medication and therapy, on <\/span>the NHS website guide to ADHD treatment.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Traits of ADHD<\/h2><\/div>

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

Core traits of ADHD<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>