This is a diagnosis that I confess to being quite cynical about in the past, but the evidence and the scientific papers that suggest it is a real and treatable condition, are mounting up. I commend a Consensus Statement published by the chaps at BAP last year:
http://www.bap.org.uk/consensus/adult_ADHD.html
Try reading it as the detail is very interesting – and the checklist of signs and symptoms was fascinating, if only because I “Strongly Agreed” with all of them! (But if you know me that might not surprise you.) Particularly of note to me was that ADHD persists into adulthood in most cases, and continues to respond to stimulants, there is a strong inherited tendency, and untreated ADHD in childhood is strongly associated with the later use of illicit drugs and alcohol. So early detection might be one of those rare opportunities at preventing substance misuse, not to mention enhancing education and social functioning. So find out who your local specialists are, and if you suspect ADHD in a child (or an adult), get them assessed.
http://www.bap.org.uk/consensus/adult_ADHD.html
Try reading it as the detail is very interesting – and the checklist of signs and symptoms was fascinating, if only because I “Strongly Agreed” with all of them! (But if you know me that might not surprise you.) Particularly of note to me was that ADHD persists into adulthood in most cases, and continues to respond to stimulants, there is a strong inherited tendency, and untreated ADHD in childhood is strongly associated with the later use of illicit drugs and alcohol. So early detection might be one of those rare opportunities at preventing substance misuse, not to mention enhancing education and social functioning. So find out who your local specialists are, and if you suspect ADHD in a child (or an adult), get them assessed.
