ADHD: Diagnosing and Treating Attention Deficit Disorder

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It affects how the brain regulates attention, activity levels, impulse control and executive functions like planning and organisation. People with ADHD often struggle to focus, sit still or think before acting.

Everyone gets distracted sometimes. But for those with ADHD, these difficulties are persistent, show up in multiple settings like both home and school, and cause real problems in daily life. Friendships, family relationships and schoolwork can all become harder to manage.

ADHD is not about being lazy or not trying hard enough. It is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that typically begins in childhood, though it is sometimes only identified later in life. It is a lifelong condition, although symptoms often change over time.

Glow Up Plan Builder

Build a realistic glow up plan: simple, healthy steps for skin, fitness, style and confidence that suit your age and the areas you most want to work on.

Try our Glow Up Plan Builder free, here on this site →

Common signs of ADHD

ADHD can look different from person to person. Some people are mainly inattentive, others are more hyperactive and impulsive, and many experience a mix of both.

Common signs in teens may include:

• Difficulty paying attention to details or following instructions
• Starting tasks but struggling to finish them
• Being easily distracted or forgetful
• Losing track during conversations
• Fidgeting, pacing or finding it hard to stay seated
• Interrupting others or blurting out answers
• Acting without thinking through the consequences

These behaviours need to be present across different settings, such as home and school, and cause noticeable problems before ADHD would be considered as a diagnosis.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Getting a diagnosis

If you think you might have ADHD, the first step is usually to speak with your GP. Before your appointment, it helps to keep notes on your symptoms, when they happen and how they affect you. Your GP can discuss what you're experiencing and refer you for a formal assessment if appropriate.

Assessments are typically carried out by a specialist or a multi-disciplinary team. This might include a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, paediatrician or specialist ADHD nurse. The process usually involves detailed questions about your behaviour, history and how symptoms affect your life. Information from parents, teachers or others who know you well may also be gathered.

Waiting times for NHS assessments vary widely depending on where you live, ranging from several months to over two years in some areas. Some people choose to seek a private assessment, though this comes at a cost. The charity ADHD UK provides information on both NHS and private routes, and AADD-UK offers guidance specifically for adults.

Treatment and support

There is no cure for ADHD, but there are effective ways to manage symptoms. Treatment is usually tailored to the individual and may involve a combination of approaches.

For children and young people, NICE guidelines recommend trying behavioural strategies first. Medication may then be offered if needed. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate are commonly prescribed in the UK, and non-stimulant options are also available. Your specialist will explain the benefits and possible side effects.

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help with organisation, time management and dealing with negative thought patterns.

Support at school or college can make a significant difference. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for students with ADHD. This might include extra time in exams, regular movement breaks, preferential seating or written instructions alongside verbal ones.

Organisations such as Young Minds and the ADHD Foundation offer resources for young people and their families.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Glow Up Plan Builder lets you build a realistic glow up plan: simple, healthy steps for skin, fitness, style and confidence that suit your age and the areas you most want to work on. Try it now →