Your GP
If you or your child are showing signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the first step is consulting your a General Practitioner (GP). For children, a chat with their teacher or the school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) can also be beneficial.
Note
Your GP can't formally diagnose ADHD, but they'll guide you through your concerns and may refer you to a specialist for a thorough evaluation. Schools can sometimes facilitate these referrals as well.
Questions from the GP
During your GP appointment, you may be asked a series of questions to gauge :
- The nature and duration of your or your child's symptoms
- Settings where these symptoms manifest—be it at home, school, or workplace
- The impact of these symptoms on everyday functioning, like social skills
- Significant life events that may have triggered symptoms
- Family history of ADHD or other mental health issues
- Presence of other health conditions or symptoms
What Happens Next?
For Children and Teens
If your child's symptoms appear consistent with ADHD, your GP may suggest a 10-week "watchful waiting" period to observe any changes in behaviour. Parental education programmes focusing on ADHD management might also be recommended.
Rest assured, this doesn't label you as a poor parent; it's meant to equip you with effective coping and management strategies.
For Adults
Adults suspected of having ADHD may be referred for a specialist assessment under the following conditions :
- Symptoms have been persistent since childhood
- Symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition
- Significant impact on daily life, including work performance or relationship struggles
Specialist Assessments
A formal assessment for ADHD may be carried out by :
- A psychiatrist specialised in child or adult mental health
- A paediatrician for children
- Other healthcare professionals with specific training in diagnosing ADHD
Diagnostic Criteria
There is no singular test for ADHD. A comprehensive assessment may involve :
- Physical exams to rule out other conditions
- Multiple interviews and evaluations
- Input from other key individuals, like partners, teachers, or parents
For Children
At least six symptoms from the diagnostic criteria for inattentiveness or hyperactivity must be evident. These symptoms should also have lasted for at least six months and significantly impair their social or academic functioning.
Note
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complicated due to variations in symptom presentation across life stages.
Current guidelines stipulate that an adult can only be diagnosed with ADHD if the symptoms have persisted since childhood. Old school records or conversations with individuals who knew you well during your childhood could be instrumental in establishing this.
Diagnosis may also require your symptoms to significantly impact multiple areas of life, like underperformance at work, risky driving, or strained interpersonal relationships.