ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are things you can do to help manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms of ADHD involve your ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and your ability to control your impulses (being impulsive).
You may show signs of being inattentive, such as:
- being easily distracted or forgetful
- finding it hard to organise your time
- finding it hard to follow instructions or finish tasks
- losing things often, like your wallet, mobile or keys
You may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:
- having a lot of energy or feeling restless
- being very talkative or interrupting conversations
- making quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result
Most people with ADHD will have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.
These symptoms usually start before the age of 12.
ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in women than men. This may be because women with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise than hyperactive symptoms.
There is more information available here:
ADHD in children and young people – NHS
Referral Pathways
There are 3 diagnosis pathways:
| Have a specialist assessment with the NHS | In Dorset, this involves a referral to CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) |
| Right To Choose | You have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider and your choice of mental healthcare team. This important right means that, for instance, should you decide the waiting time for your ADHD assessment is too long, then you can choose alternative providers. Further information and a list of NHS funded right to choose providers can be found here: Right to Choose – ADHD UK – Your NHS options |
| Private Assessment | Long waiting lists and lack of accessibility of Right to Choose throughout the UK means private diagnosis and treatment is a serious consideration for many, despite the financial cost often being a significant sacrifice. Please note, should you be prescribed medication for ADHD via a private clinic, the Practice is unlikely to be able to enter into a shared care agreement to continue ongoing prescribing. Private Diagnosis – For Adult ADHD | ADHD UK |
What to do if you think you may have ADHD
If you think you may have ADHD and wish to be referred for an assessment, please:
- Read the information provided above and decide the referral pathway you wish to use.
- Complete the relevant form:
- For CMHT Referrals, please complete this form: https://beaufortroadsurgery.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CMHT-ADHD-Adult.pdf
- For Right to Choose providers, you will need to download the form from the Providers’ website.
- Return the form to us (Beaufortroad.surgery@nhs.net) with the name of the provider you wish to be referred to.
Our medical secretary team will then arrange the referral on your behalf and you will hear directly from your chosen provider.
Please note, the Practice is unable to speed up any wait time, but further support can be found below.
Support With ADHD
We are aware that waiting for a diagnosis can be daunting. Below is a link to the Dorset Recovery Education Centre who run courses including some specific to ADHD to help people with understanding and developing strategies to manage their difficulties. You do not need an official diagnosis to access this support directly and you can enrol for these using the link.
Courses :: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
You may find this a helpful starting point.
There is also further support available from:
ADHD UK
Information and support for anyone affected by ADHD.
ADHD Adult UK
Information and peer support for adults with ADHD.
MindOUT
Mental health support for the LGBTQ community.
Samaritans
Mental health support for everyone.