ADHD/ADD symptoms and diagnosis?

Tubz

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice regarding symptoms of/diagnostic pathways to (an) adhd (diagnosis). Thanks.

Awesomelorenzo

Could you go to your doctor?

Tori_Scope

Hi @Tubz I'd definitely recommend that you speak to your GP if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They will also be able to explain to you the possible next steps. Have you been to see your GP?

Are you currently in education?

In terms of the symptoms, they can include:

Inattentiveness

The main signs of inattentiveness are:

• having a short attention span and being easily distracted

• making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork

• appearing forgetful or losing things

• being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming

• appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions

• constantly changing activity or task

• having difficulty organising tasks

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness

The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are:

• being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings

• constantly fidgeting

• being unable to concentrate on tasks

• excessive physical movement

• excessive talking

• being unable to wait their turn

• acting without thinking

• interrupting conversations

• little or no sense of danger

In adults, this can sometimes look like:

• carelessness and lack of attention to detail

• continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones

• poor organisational skills

• inability to focus or prioritise

• continually losing or misplacing things

• forgetfulness

• restlessness and edginess

• difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn

• blurting out responses and often interrupting others

• mood swings, irritability and a quick temper

• inability to deal with stress

• extreme impatience

• taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously

(All taken from the NHS website).

If your GP agrees that it'd be worth investigating if you have ADHD after asking you some questions, they might refer you on for an assessment. Unfortunately, this can take a little while. You can read more about the NHS diagnostic pathways on this page on the NHS website.