ADHD in adults
ADHD in adults
Overview
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition which affects different brain functions. This can include:
- communication
- movement
- learning
- emotions
- attention
Everyone can experience the symptoms of ADHD differently.
For some people, symptoms can have a positive impact on life. For others, it can have a negative impact.
The following information may be most helpful when symptoms negatively impact your life.
Read about the positive experiences of ADHD on Procrastination Station’s website. Procrastination Station are an organisation run for people with ADHD by people with ADHD in Scotland.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes ADHD?
Doctors do not know the exact cause of ADHD. It is thought that a combination of factors may be responsible.
ADHD has been linked to several things, including:
- having a sibling or parent with ADHD
- having a neurodevelopmental disorder like autism
- having a learning disability
- having epilepsy
- being born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
- environmental factors
- having had a brain injury
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD
In Scotland, there’s no standard approach to assess ADHD. How you’ll be assessed will depend on which health board area you live in.
There isn’t a single test or checklist that can confirm if you have ADHD or not. Your symptoms and their impact should be considered as part of a full assessment of your health. This will help to rule out other conditions which could be mistaken for ADHD.
Speak to your GP practice if you think that you may have ADHD and it’s having a negative effect on your life. They can discuss your concerns and next steps with you.
Mind has information about talking to your GP.
Private assessments for ADHD
As well as NHS services, there are many private providers who offer ADHD assessments.
Make sure your local NHS health board and GP practice will accept an assessment from alternative provider before you get one.
Your local NHS health board or GP practice may not accept the outcome of a private assessment. This means they may not be willing to provide treatment based on your private assessment.