Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) information for students
Useful information relating to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical diagnosis and requires an assessment by a specialist. If you are seeking an assessment, the best route is to ask your GP to refer you for an NHS-funded assessment with a specialist who assesses for ADHD. Further information about ADHD, including guidance on assessment can be found on the NHS website.
If you live in England and there is no local specialist service or very long waiting times, it is possible to request referral to an alternative NHS-commissioned service for an ADHD assessment under the NHS ‘Right To Choose’ legislation. It is important to note that referral services can differ with each GP service. You can learn more about Right To Choose on the NHS website.
It may be that you decide to arrange a private ADHD assessment. Please note that in addition to the assessment fee, there may be additional charges for a follow-on appointment and any subsequent prescribed medication. Please check charges before attending any appointment. It is recommended that you ensure the clinician you book with is a recognised member of the General Medical Council.
Although some psychologists assess for ADHD, they cannot prescribe medication.
For further information, students at the University of Plymouth can make an appointment to speak to a Disability Advisor.
Useful websites
ADDISS
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service.
The website in the UK for ADHD – lots of information for adults, children, parents, and professionals.
Website: http://www.addiss.co.uk/ email: info@addiss.co.uk
AADD-UK
The main aims of AADD-UK are raising awareness of ADHD in adulthood, advancing the education of professionals and the public at a national and local level in the UK to ensure that all adults with ADHD regardless of age, gender, health, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and religion have fair and equitable access to health, social, employment, and other services as needed, and to promote and support research in the field of adult ADHD.
Website: https://aadduk.org/
Box of Ideas
Information, ideas, contact details, etc on all the developmental disorders. It is described as, ‘The one-stop shop for 1000s of ideas, guidance and information from early years to employment.’ The website was produced by the Dyscovery Centre, Newport and the Waterloo Foundation
ADHD UK
ADHD UK was founded in 2020 with a mission to help those affected by ADHD – either those that have the condition or people close to them: family, friends, employers, and co-workers.
Website: https://adhduk.co.uk/Books
Novotni, M. (2000) What Does Everyone Else Know That I Don't. Florida: Speciality Press
A gem of a book. Focusing on social skills training for adults with ADD/ADHD this book offers solutions for tackling behaviour that is often inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive. Advice is given on how to handle common social problems such as manners, etiquette, communication, subtext, listening, and interpersonal relationships. The format of the book is designed for ADHD learning styles and includes true stories, practical exercises, and tips.
Wender, P.H. (2001) ADHD Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Wender is a psychiatrist and researcher and one of the leading names in the ADHD field. This book has lots of information and practical advice, including on medication.
Barkley, R. (2010) Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. New York: Guilford Press
Barkley is the name in the ADHD world. This book is fantastic – full of factual information and, like the title says, ways of taking charge of the symptoms so that life is not such an uphill struggle.