Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Service (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that is characterised by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These should be present before the age of 12 years and the diagnosis is often made in childhood.

For adults with possible ADHD, your GP will assess your symptoms and may refer you for an assessment to the adult ADHD service if:

• you have not been diagnosed with ADHD but have had persistent ADHD symptoms since childhood
• your symptoms cannot be explained by another mental health condition
• your symptoms significantly affect your day-to-day life, such as ;if you're underachieving at work or in education, and find maintaining relationships difficult

You may also be referred to a specialist if you had ADHD as a child or young person and your symptoms are still causing moderate or severe functional impairment.

Prior to your assessment, the specialist will ask you and a family or friend to complete pre-assessment questionnaires about your past and present symptoms. The subsequent adult ADHD assessment will cover all aspects of your life and relate to the DSM V diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults cannot be confirmed unless your symptoms have been present from childhood.

Treatment for ADHD usually helps to relieve the symptoms which then reduce the impact of the condition on day-to-day life. In adults, ADHD treatment primarily involves medication. Psychological therapies particularly for associated mental health conditions can be of significant benefit.

What happens once I've been referred to the service?

Once you are referred to the service by your GP, you will be added to our waiting list. Prior to an assessment clinic appointment being arranged, we will ask you to complete some baseline questionnaires.

We hold assessment clinics on a Tuesday and patients are seen by appointment only at Praze Surgery in Camborne. The patient pre-assessment information needs to be returned to the service before an appointment can be provided.

Resources

• Shared care guidelines (PDF, 682 KB)