Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include:
- difficulty concentrating and paying attention
- hyperactivity
- impulsiveness.
Features are present in childhood (before the age of 7) and persist throughout life.
As GPs we cannot make a diagnosis of ADHD as this requires a multi-hour assessment process, usually by a Psychiatrist.
We can make a referral for an assessment, but before the appointment, it would help greatly to read and complete the following information:
ADHD (adult diagnosis)
Please complete the following self-rating scales and bring to your appointment, or upload on our ADHD assessment online form.
Download
ADHD Self-Report Scale (PDF file)
and
WHODAS score for adults (PDF file)
ADHD (child diagnosis)
There is no agreed screening questionnaire for diagnosis in children. Suspicion instead may be raised by pervasive inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity across multiple different situations and settings (e.g. in public, at home and at school).
In addition to your observations from home life, school or school-based educational psychology teams are often best placed to provide information about possible ADD.
Prior to your appointment, please approach the school to obtain the following information from the class teacher (or teacher who best knows your child) commenting on the following (if appropriate):
– Current academic achievements in reading/writing/maths
– Classroom behaviour in lessons which demand settled attention and task completion on the child’s initiative
– General behaviour in the classroom and response to rules and discipline
– General organisational skills e.g. correct books for lessons / homework
– Relationship with peers in the playground and in cooperative classroom work
– Level of activity / attention span / impulsiveness
– Any other concerns regarding the child
– Any supports or educational psychology involvement.
Bring this document to your appointment as it forms a vital part of any onward referral.
The ‘WHODAS’ questionnaire below is also useful to complete and bring along.
Download
WHODAS for children (PDF file)
Private ADHD assessments
If you choose to go for an ADHD assessment in the private sector, please be aware that in order to get medication on NHS prescription, you will still need to go through the NHS service.
Read more here: Private ADHD assessments and medication
Further information and support
NHS Inform – ADHD information
Useful summary of the features and an overview of its diagnosis and management.
Website:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | NHS inform
Scottish ADHD Coalition
Details of local voluntary organisations / support groups for patients with ADHD, and those who care for them.
Website:
Scottish ADHD Coalition – The Scottish ADHD Coalition