What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily life and development. These symptoms are typically present from childhood but can continue into adulthood.  

There are also a number of myths around ADHD. Let's bust them.

What Are The Myths?

ADHD Is Not Real

People With ADHD Are Lazy

Only Children Have ADHD


Everybody Has ADHD These Days


People With ADHD Can't Be Successful


How is ADHD Diagnosed?

A medical doctor usually diagnoses ADHD. Research on incidence suggests most around 2.4 million people in the UK likely meet the criteria for diagnosis, according to ADHD UK. Available data suggests that ADHD is very under-diagnosed in women and girls. To reach diagnosis in children, they are assessed again inattention and hyperactivity criteria used parental interviews, standardised questionnaires (Conner's 3/4), computerised testing (QbTest) and clinical observations made by assessors. To reach a diagnosis, at least one of the following has to be proved:

Where a child has six of both, they have ADHD Combined Presentation, which is the most common type. For adults, they only need five rather than six symptoms as well as evidence they have similar difficulties in childhood.

Who Assesses For ADHD?

An ADHD assessment might be carried out by one or a number of the below as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT):

It is best practice for a child to be assessed by multiple professionals, but where this is more straightforward this doesn't always happen. Even when your children isn't assessed by multiple professionals, they will discuss your child in an MDT meeting to consider multiple expert perspectives.

Every area in England has a commissioned ADHD assessment service of some kind for under-18s provided by an NHS Trust or a community provider. Their waits are often long and so sometimes adults might choose to use NHS Right To Choose.

How Does ADHD Develop?

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but research suggests that it's a complex interplay of various factors:

How Is ADHD Managed?

Advice for Adults Who Care for Young People with ADHD

Remember, your child can't control their ADHD. Especially at a younger age, a lot of the skills they would be developing at this point are slightly behind. They're not trying to annoy you. They need more guidance, and you will need new skills. Here are some tips for supporting your child:



Advice for Young People with ADHD

Remember, you have ADHD. That's just a fact. That doesn't mean you're helpless, but it does mean that you will find some things harder, and that's okay. While there is no cure for ADHD, many management options can help. These may include:

National Resources