Frequently Asked Questions
About ADHD

Understanding your ADHD and getting a diagnosis is the first step to treating your ADHD, we have a list of our most common questions about ADHD below.

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How to get an ADHD diagnosis?
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There is no single medical or physical test for ADHD; it is instead diagnosed via an evaluation from an ADHD psychiatrist professional.

At Private ADHD, we ask several questions and review your medical history and lifestyle factors when we determine if our patient has ADHD during our consultation.

Is ADHD an excuse or real?
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ADHD is 100% a  real brain disorder with genetic elements; if you have ADHD, then there is an 85% chance  someone in your family has it, too. 
Research shows that ADHD comes from a chemical imbalance in the brain or neurotransmitters.

Do I have ADHD, or am I just lazy?
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People who suffer from ADHD are some of the most intelligent people in the world; if you think you have ADHD, you are not lazy; your brain just works differently.

Is ADHD a serious illness?
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Yes, ADHD is a serious illness and can have a serious effect on someone's life; perhaps one of the most concerning side effects of ADHD is how it can cause other mental illnesses to manifest, such as depression and anxiety.

ADHD is, without a doubt, misunderstood as a mild illness, which it is not for some people.

What causes ADHD?
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Doctors are still unsure what the main cause of ADHD is. It’s thought to be a combination of several factors that can cause this disorder from an early age, such as genetics, suffering a brain injury, prenatal care and childhood trauma.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of individuals globally. The causes of ADHD are multifactorial and include a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Research indicates that genetics play a significant role in the development of ADHD, with hereditary factors accounting for approximately 75% of cases. Environmental influences, such as prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, or stress, also contribute to the risk of developing ADHD. Additionally, premature birth and low birth weight have been identified as potential risk factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of ADHD, enabling better support and interventions for those affected by this condition.

What are the 3 main symptoms of ADHD?
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ADHD can have various symptoms; the three most common adult ADHD symptoms are impulsivity, disorganisation and inattention. However even if you don’t have all 3 symptoms, you could still have ADHD.

What do people with ADHD struggle with?
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People living with ADHD tend to struggle with frequently losing things, being late, overthinking, impatience, getting distracted and restlessness.

What are ADHD symptoms in adult women?
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There has been a recent surge in the amount of females getting diagnosed with ADHD, although there are still so many yet to receive the help and support they so greatly need. Some common symptoms are problems focusing, overspending, indecisiveness, problems listening and poor organisation.

What is the treatment for ADHD?
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At PrivateADHD, we create bespoke personalised treatment plans for individuals suffering from ADHD; this treatment typically consists of psychotherapy, medication and holistic lifestyle changes.

Can ADHD get worse with age?
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ADHD can change as you get older, but it doesn’t get ‘worse’. ADHD symptoms can change and wax and wane with changes in the demands and stresses of life. People find that at some points in their life they require more aggressive treatment than at other points. One might find that symptoms seem worse since you get faced with more challenges and responsibilities as an adult with ADHD.

How To Get An
ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD diagnoses are on the rise; this is down to a surge of people talking about ADHD and leaving the stigma behind. There has been much more education about ADHD thanks to social media platforms like TikTok.

To get an ADHD diagnosis, you can either go through your GP, who can refer you to a service such as ourselves or go onto the NHS waiting list if your area still has an NHS ADHD service. Going private with an online assessment is reported to be the easiest and quickest way to get an ADHD diagnosis.

Are ADHD and Anxiety Related?

ADHD and anxiety can be caused by one another. Studies show that up to 50% of people with ADHD also have one or more specific types of anxiety disorders.

How Do You Get
Tested For ADHD

At Private ADHD, we offer 1-1 online consultations with ADHD specialised NHS-approved psychiatrists who can assess and give you an ADHD diagnosis with if needed, same-day treatment depending on your location.

This assessment goes on for around 2 hours, and the ADHD clinician will ask several questions and review your medical history to make a diagnosis.