Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

ADHD and Children

When a child or young person presents with behavioural and/or attention problems suggestive of ADHD, an assessment needs to be done to determine the severity of the problems, how these affect the child or young person and the parents or carers, and the extent to which they pervade different domains and settings.

If the child or young person’s behaviour and/or attention problems suggestive of ADHD are having an adverse impact on their behaviour or family like, and there is evidence of severe impairment, referral for assessment is recommended.

All referrals for an NHS ADHD assessment must be made by the child’s school as they are able to write much more detailed reports about the child’s difficulties which will mean the referral is more likely to be accepted. If, however the child does not attend school, please get in touch with us. If your child is then given a diagnosis of ADHD and started on treatment, the hospital specialist team will continue to prescribe the medication for you.

Private assessments

A diagnosis of ADHD should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and experience in the diagnosis of ADHD.  A full clinical and psychosocial assessment of the person must be undertaken to include discussion about behaviour and symptoms on the different domains and setting of the persons everyday life. Also, a full developmental and psychiatric history alongside observer reports and assessment of the persons mental state must be undertaken.

A diagnosis of ADHD should not be made solely on the basis of rating scale or observational data. However, rating scales such as the Conners' rating scales can be valuable adjuncts. Please be mindful of this when choosing a private provider. 

Please also be aware that we are unable to take over prescribing if your child is given medication, so this would need to come from your private provider.

Find information about Right-to-choose (RTC) referrals

ADHD and Adults

Owing to the huge rise in the number of referrals, the current NHS wait time for an adult ADHD assessment is 5-years. 

Referrals are made by us at Clevedon Medical Centre, so please see our appointments page to ask for a GP appointment to discuss your referral. You will be asked to submit an ASRS questionnaire which will be attached to your referral, the form will be sent to you as a link but if this link has expired then you can also find the form below. 

Private assessment

You can of course consider a private assessment, but please be aware that from the 1st Feb 2025 will not be able to take on long-term prescribing from private providers, so you would need to stay under your private provider for all prescriptions.

Find information about Right-to-choose (RTC) referrals