ADHD is a neurological condition present from birth and often runs in families. Approximately 5% of the population may have ADHD—around 3.5 million people in the UK—most without realising it.
Since symptoms appear from an early age, they are often missed in childhood, leading to delayed diagnosis in adulthood. ADHD is not caused by bad parenting, diet, or video games.
Dr M. Hoogman from Radboud University in The Netherlands, who led a large study with 81 researchers, was quoted in Science Daily (Feb 16, 2017):
"The results from our study confirm that people with ADHD have differences in their brain structure and therefore suggest that ADHD is a disorder of the brain. We hope that this will help to reduce stigma that ADHD is 'just a label' for difficult children or caused by poor parenting. This is definitely not the case, and we hope that this work will contribute to a better understanding of the disorder."
ADHD is considered hereditary and genetic, commonly occurring alongside autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and related conditions. Although the specific genes are still unclear, many are likely involved, making it impossible to predict whether it will be passed on to future generations.
This is a functional MRI scan, which shows that the brain of the person with ADHD looks quite different from the one who hasn’t:
The main symptoms of ADHD include difficulties with attention, concentration, staying focused, restlessness, and impulsivity. However, it’s more complex than it seems. Different brain areas are involved, contributing to these symptoms.
For example, attention may drift while completing tasks, leading to unfinished projects. Many procrastinate endlessly, only producing results at the last minute, or start several tasks without completing any.
You may also experience disorganisation, forgetfulness, or missed appointments, which can strain relationships. Impulsivity may manifest as emotional outbursts, unnecessary purchases, binge eating or drinking, or impulsive actions that leave you thinking, Why did I do that?
Restlessness can be physical—such as an inability to sit through a movie—or internal, with racing thoughts that prevent sleep. Chronic fatigue is common and may even lead to misdiagnoses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Once ADHD is treated, many of these issues disappear unless they are separate conditions.
Gender differences are sometimes observed, with females appearing less boisterous and males more aggressive, but there is no fundamental difference in ADHD symptoms when examined closely.
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must meet specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This includes a minimum number of symptoms and a level of severity that must be present in multiple settings, such as work, home, or school.
At Berkeley Psychiatrists, we use a combination of clinical interviews, rating scales, and behavioural observations to assess symptoms and determine if a diagnosis of ADHD is appropriate. We also consider the impact of symptoms on daily functioning and assess for any co-occurring conditions that may be contributing to symptoms.
Other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, can sometimes mimic symptoms of ADHD. Our team of psychiatrists are experienced in identifying and differentiating between these conditions, and can provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Many people try to manage their ADHD with various strategies. For instance, those who are disorganised and forgetful may use reminders, diaries, post-it notes, and lists. However, they can end up with so many lists that it becomes overwhelming and inefficient.
ADHD is highly treatable with medication, which has been used successfully since the late 1960s. Medication primarily targets the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s management centre. There are about five medications available, but finding the right one and dosage is a process called titration.
ADHD medication is not addictive. If you stop taking it, you won’t experience withdrawal symptoms, but your ADHD symptoms will return. It’s like insulin for diabetes—it’s necessary for symptom management but not addictive.
Once the correct medication and dosage are determined, we issue a Shared Care Agreement for your GP to take over prescribing. NICE guidelines require medication initiation by a specialist.
Our service provides comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment recommendations for adults with ADHD. To learn more about ADHD and treatment options, please visit the following resources:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ADHD.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
If you think you may have ADHD or would like to learn more about our services, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
Dr Hugo de Waal, our Medical Director, has created the following content for patients to review in order to find out more about the clinical condition of ADHD.
Adults can be diagnosed in person at our London clinic or online via video consultation. The consultation takes approximately 60-90 minutes & contains the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA). Before an assessment you will be sent several questionnaires to complete, including one to be completed by a family member or a friend.
If a diagnosis is made and medication has been prescribed, this is when the titration period starts which consists of follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist or our clinical pharmacist to monitor your response and adjust the treatment accordingly.
The assessment typically lasts up to 90 minutes, during which the clinician provides a diagnosis and discusses treatment options, if needed. If more time is required to confirm a diagnosis or review medication and medical history, the clinician may extend the session. If an extension isn’t possible, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to complete the assessment at no extra cost. This ensures the patient receives a thorough evaluation without additional fees.
The written report which includes the clinical diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan if applicable, to be provided to you within 5 working days from the date of your assessment.
At Berkeley Psychiatrists, we adhere to the guidelines set forth by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) during all our assessments. These guidelines ensure that our assessments are conducted in accordance with the best practices and standards recommended by NICE.
At Berkeley Psychiatrists, only consultant psychiatrists—not nurses or pharmacists—diagnose patients with ADHD.
ADHD symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities, and only a consultant psychiatrist has the expertise to differentiate between these possibilities. Additionally, doctors are equipped to understand the long-term implications of an ADHD diagnosis, including the appropriate treatment options and the need for ongoing monitoring.
While pharmacists and nurses are helpful in supporting treatment plans and providing education about medications, diagnosing ADHD requires the specialist knowledge and diagnostic skills that only a consultant psychiatrist can provide.
It’s essential to note that General Practitioners (GPs) and other mental health professionals cannot provide a formal diagnosis of ADHD. However, they play a crucial role in the referral process, directing you to a specialist who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
We recommend patients take note of the above when choosing private clinics to seek a diagnosis of ADHD.
An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that involves gathering information from multiple sources. Here’s what you can expect during an ADHD assessment:
The assessment may take up to two sessions to complete. The clinician will use the information gathered to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be challenging, especially for adults. Here are some common barriers to diagnosis and how to overcome them:
Remember, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment and management of ADHD symptoms. Don’t be discouraged by barriers to diagnosis – seek help and advocate for yourself.
