ADHD: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and support in the UK

The NHS says ADHD symptoms involve a person's ability to pay attention (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control impulses (being impulsive). Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type, though some show only one type.

NICE describes ADHD as a condition that affects people's behaviour. It can make them seem restless or hyperactive, have trouble remembering things and focusing on tasks, and act on impulse without stopping to think. It is usually spotted in childhood but some people are not diagnosed until they are adults, and it can affect people throughout their lives.

The NHS notes that some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent, and that neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work. People with ADHD often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety, addictions or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

For adults, the NHS says to make an appointment with a GP if symptoms affect your studies, work or relationships. The GP will ask about symptoms and may consider other conditions such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety, then may refer you to a mental health professional specialising in ADHD.

The assessment is with an ADHD specialist such as a psychiatrist. The NHS says they will ask about the history of your symptoms, particularly whether they started in childhood, and how they affected you at school. It will cover work and education, family and friends and medical history, and the specialist may want to contact someone who knows you well.

For children and young people, the NHS suggests first talking to a teacher, who can refer to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), and then a GP if you are still worried. If support is not helping, ask a GP or SENCO how to request an assessment. This is with a specialist such as a paediatrician or a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who will ask about symptoms, family life and development, usually contact the school, and may use a computer-based test.

The NHS says waiting times for ADHD assessments vary and a child or adult may have to wait several months or years. While waiting, a child should continue to get support at home and in school.

The NHS says you may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme. You can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.

The NHS says ADHD can be managed in many ways, including lifestyle changes, changes at work or school and medicines, depending on symptoms and how they affect you. Not everyone needs or wants to take medicine.

For children, the NHS suggests making time for physical activities they enjoy, encouraging regular sleep and helping them to have a healthy, balanced diet and regular mealtimes. If some foods and drinks seem to affect their symptoms, keep a food and drink diary to see what these are, and share it with school.

For adults, the NHS suggests exercise, which it says also helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms that can make ADHD worse, a regular bedtime and a quiet dark bedroom, avoiding screens, caffeine, sugar and alcohol close to bedtime, and talking to friends and family about your ADHD.

The NHS says the cause of ADHD is not always known. It may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families. Other things linked to ADHD include being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury, or being autistic.

The NHS says many children are easily distracted, impulsive and have high energy levels, particularly if under 5, and this does not mean they have ADHD; it could be a sign of being tired, anxious or stressed.

The NHS says ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls and women than in boys and men. This may be because they more commonly have inattentive symptoms, which can be harder to recognise than hyperactive symptoms. NICE also notes that it is sometimes missed in girls and women.

The NHS says people with ADHD may be more likely to have mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and are at higher risk of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult feelings, tell someone and seek help straight away; the NHS says support is available right now.

On driving, the NHS says you must tell the DVLA if your driving is affected by your ADHD, your ADHD medicine, or both.

The NHS and NICE pages read for this guide do not give advice about ADHD medicines in pregnancy. If you take ADHD medicine and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, speak to your GP or ADHD specialist before changing anything.

On the NHS the route is a GP or SENCO, then referral to an ADHD specialist service. NICE says people should get check-ups as often as they need, whether or not they take medicine, and that information should be shared between services, for example when moving from school to college.

Private assessments are also available. The NHS notes that medicines must be started and monitored by a specialist, and that a GP can take over prescribing only if there is a shared care agreement, so ask any private provider whether your GP will accept one before you commit.