Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms which are broken down in to two categories; inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

The symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers are well defined, and they're usually noticeable before the age of six but may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old. They occur in more than one situation, such as at home and at school.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness:

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

Inattentiveness:

Having a short attention span and being easily distracted
Making mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
Appearing forgetful or losing things
Being unable to stick at 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

Things to consider before considering ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD in children depends on a set of strict criteria. To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child’s difficulties must meet this criteria and must have:

Been displaying symptoms continuously for at least six months.

Started to show symptoms before the age of 12.

Been showing symptoms in at least two different settings – for example, at home and at school, to rule out the possibility that the behaviour is just a reaction to certain teachers or parental control.

Symptoms that make their lives considerably more difficult on a social, academic or occupational level.

Symptoms that aren't just part of a developmental disorder or difficult phase, and aren't better accounted for by another condition.

Making a referral to CAMHS

If you think that your child may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you might want to consider speaking to your GP about it. It may help to speak to your child’s teacher too, to find out if they have any concerns about your child.

Any professional; GP, Teacher, Social Worker, can make a referral to CAMHS Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Team. It’s a common myth that a child needs to be referred by their GP and another myth that a GP referral will speed up the process. It’s actually best to think about who knows your child best as they are often the ones who have most information for a referral.

Have a chat to them about your concerns. They can make the referral if they feel it’s needed.

You may be aware that waiting times for assessment are lengthy and we appreciate that this is frustrating. The service is committed to pursuing a number of quality improvements which we hope will reduce the length of time you have to wait.

Many children go through phases where they are restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and doesn't necessarily mean they have ADHD. Poor attention skills and difficult behaviour can result from other causes. It’s important to think about these causes and to try other things first.

We have put together a ‘Common Concerns’ page for parents full of information and strategies for responding to concerns. These pages will be helpful for all children and for those waiting to be seen by CAMHS.