ADHD

In Dorset, the NHS provides attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment via community mental health teams.

These teams hold and manage a separate caseload of people with ADHD symptoms who are waiting for initial assessment and waiting for or receiving ADHD medication reviews.

We have created this page to bring together resources relevant to people who have, or think they may have, ADHD and their families and supporters.

Diagnosing ADHD can take time. It is a full process which will involve thinking about difficulties experienced throughout your lifespan and in different areas of your life and the impact these difficulties may have had.

ADHD falls under the umbrella of neurodiversity. Medication can help improve focus, attention and impulse control but it won’t take away ADHD or who you are as a person. For some people, understanding and knowledge will help to manage ADHD without medication.

The NHS website includes information about treatment available for ADHD, including medication, therapy and other possible treatments and tips for patients.  Please visit Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Treatment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

All medication carries risk of side effects for some people, a list of which can be viewed at Drugs & Medications A to Z - Drugs.com.

If you are a young person, or a parent/carer of a young person, please also visit CAMHS Dorset.