Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Attention Deficit Disorder, (ADHD/ADD), are neurodevelopmental conditions that are caused by an imbalance of chemicals affecting parts of the brain responsible for behaviour. It is caused by a complex mix of environmental and genetic factors, but it has a strong hereditary link, with studies showing that children of a parent who has ADHD have up to a 50% chance of experiencing the same difficulties.

The core features of ADHD are behavioural characteristics, specifically:

• inattention
• impulsivity
• hyperactivity

But these are not the only symptoms. People with ADHD can also struggle with sleep, regulating emotions, as well as associated conditions, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia (coordination difficulties), and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). 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 6 to 12 years old. 

ADHD can be diagnosed in children and adults however the routes of assessment differ. If you think that you or your child may have ADHD, please read the information below and look on NHS inform for more information about the condition. 

For children, the best route would be to speak to your child's teacher at school. They are usually in the best position to be able to share their observations of your child in the classroom and if their behaviour, attention and activity levels are of a concern. Teachers will have experience of managing children with ADHD in the classroom, but sometimes ADHD signs are not always picked up in the classroom, and teachers are aware of this.  If they are significantly concerned, they will be able to look in to more formal assessment and referral to child psychiatry services. 

For adults, the route is unfortunately more complicated, mainly due to the service provision not been able to meet the increase in demand recently from all over the UK.  

If you think you may have ADHD as an adult and want to explore this further , please complete the two assessment forms below:

1: ADHD Screening

2: Funtional impairment self-reporting scale form

Please email this in to us on clinical.s70272@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk and then book a routine appointment with a GP.

Your GP will then discuss the results of the completed forms and will likely ask you the below questions: 

• What symptoms do you have which makes you think you may possibly have ADHD? 
• Do you suffer with other emotional or mental health issues?
• How long have you had you symptoms for? 
• How do these symptoms impact on your life ? (work, school, friendships, family etc)

We would be grateful if you could take the time to think about these questions, so you are able to make the most of the appointment.

After the assessment, if the GP is sufficiently concerned you may have ADHD , a referral will be made to the local NHS adult psychiatry team. Please be warned though, the waiting time for further assessment is currently over a year! There are quicker alternative private referral routes available which can be discussed with your GP but please be warned , they can come at significant extra costs.

Download this helpful parental guide on better understanding ADHD and ideas on how to support a child with ADHD. It was created by Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People (EPIC) through the Edinburgh University.

Click Here to download the pdf booklet