ADHD in children and young people
শিশু ও তরুণদের এডিএইচডি (অতিচঞ্চলতা ও মনোযোগের ঘাটতি)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects how the brain works in different ways. This can include:
- communication
- movement
- learning
- emotions
- attention
Everyone experiences ADHD symptoms differently. For some, these symptoms have a positive impact on life. For others, the impact is negative.
The information below is likely to help most when symptoms are having a negative impact.
You can also read about positive experiences of ADHD on Procrastination Station, 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 in children and young people?
The exact cause of ADHD is not known. Several factors together may play a part.
A number of things are linked to ADHD, 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)
- having had a brain injury
- environmental factors
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ADHD in children and young people
In Scotland, there’s no standard approach to assess ADHD. How a child is assessed will depend on which area they live in.
There isn’t a single test or checklist that can confirm if a child has ADHD or not. Their symptoms and the impact they have will need to be considered as part of a full assessment of their mental health. This is important because it helps to rule out other conditions which could be mistaken for ADHD.
If you’re worried about your child, it may help to speak to their teachers before seeing your GP. This means you can find out if they have any concerns about your child.
Your GP can’t formally diagnose ADHD. They can discuss your concerns with you and talk to you about next steps.
Waiting lists for assessments can be very long. There are things you can do that can help you manage their symptoms in the meantime.
In many cases, you’ll need to try these changes before an assessment can be completed.
Often these changes are part of treatment plans for ADHD. These will be written with you and your child’s education and healthcare professionals.
Read about approaches that you can try to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
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 may not accept the outcome of a private assessment. This means they may not be willing to provide treatment based on your private assessment.
Related conditions in children and young people with ADHD
ADHD in children and young people can occur alongside other problems or conditions.
These can include:
- dyslexia and dyspraxia
- speech and language problems
- anxiety
- depression
- autism
- sleep problems
- oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) – this involves negative and disruptive behaviour, particularly towards figures of authority
- conduct disorder – this often involves antisocial behaviour, like stealing and harming people or animals
- epilepsy
- learning disability
- Tourette’s syndrome
Mental health conditions can often overlap. This means symptoms can be present in more than one condition. For example difficulties concentrating can be a symptom of depression but can also be a symptom of ADHD.
Therefore, it’s important for a child’s entire mental health to be assessed and considered. This helps confirm the right support, diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
Parents, children and young people may be offered:
- sessions explaining ADHD
- coaching for friends and family members
- cognitive behavioural therapy
Read more about psychological therapies
Medication
If a child or young person has tried lifestyle and environmental changes consistently for a few months, and they're still having significant difficulties, their healthcare professional may suggest medication.
Read more about medication for the symptoms of ADHD
Support when you're moving location or service
Speak to your care team for information and advice if you're moving:
- location, for example to start a new job or educational course
- between services, like from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to adult mental health
Read more about transition care plans when moving from CAMHS to adult mental health services.
Further information and support for ADHD
The Scottish ADHD Coalition have information about local support groups in Scotland.
Procrastination Station are a non-profit organisation run for people with ADHD by people with ADHD in Scotland.
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