Sources and references
- NICE guideline NG87: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), World Health Organization
- Faraone SV et al. (2021). The World Federation of ADHD Global Consensus Statement
Frequently asked questions
What are the most commonly missed signs of ADHD in adults?
Internal hyperactivity (racing thoughts), emotional dysregulation (intense mood swings and rejection sensitivity), time blindness, executive function difficulty with task initiation and transitions, and high-functioning masking in women and high achievers. These are often misattributed to anxiety or burnout.
How is ADHD different from anxiety in adults?
ADHD is a neurological difference in executive function that creates situations triggering anxiety as a secondary effect. Anxiety as a primary disorder causes worry even without external triggers. The two often co-occur and both benefit from formal assessment.
How do I get assessed for ADHD as an adult in the UK?
You can self-refer to a specialist ADHD clinic (no GP referral needed for private pathways). The standard pathway uses ASRS-v1.1 and Conners 3 instruments, followed by a senior clinician evidence review and a video consultation. NeuroCheck Pro offers this end-to-end online.