ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition which impacts on people’s levels of attention, concentration and impulsivity. It is often diagnosed in childhood, although many symptoms go unrecognised, which can have a detrimental effect on a person’s educational and work attainments, relationships, and family life. Secondary effects such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and issues with drugs and alcohol may also develop. Questioning if you might be someone with undiagnosed ADHD may be the reason you are visiting this site.
Something that people with ADHD have frequent experience of:

• Forgetting appointments.
• Starting a number of tasks but finding it hard to complete them.
• Always needing to be on the go or fidgeting.
• Drifting off in conversation so missing out on what is being said.
• Prone to being angry.
• Doing just one thing and ignoring other important tasks.
• Doing and saying things without thinking them through.
• Trouble regulating emotions.
• Being disorganised
• Difficulties with time management

Diagnosis
Unfortunately, there is no simple test for ADHD. Gaining an accurate diagnosis, through a comprehensive assessment process, is a crucial part of managing symptoms having a negative impact on your life. A diagnosis is based on formal, internationally recognised criteria. Symptoms of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity need to have been present since childhood, be interfering with your daily functioning and not to be caused by other mental health disorders for a diagnosis to be made. If you are thinking that you would like an assessment, please make contact with KCPS to discuss this.

Assessments at KCPS take the following format:
A free initial call to discuss your needs and if indicated complete an ADHD screening questionnaire.
If you wish to proceed with an assessment an appointment will be arranged with you. This can be either in the Margate clinic or online.
Prior to attending your initial appointment, you will be sent a package of questionnaires for you and someone who knows you well, preferably from childhood, to complete. These will need to be brought to the assessment.
At the assessment you will be asked questions about symptoms during childhood and adulthood using the DIVA interview schedule, which is an internationally recognised ADHD assessment tool for adults. You will also be asked about your social, academic and work experiences, drug and alcohol use and family life. Any other concerns relating to your mental and physical wellbeing will also be discussed.
A follow up appointment will be arranged where you can discuss the results of your assessment and decide on what next steps are right for you. You will also be given a full report detailing the results of the assessment and recommendations made. If you are assessed as meeting diagnostic criteria for ADHD then this report can be used as evidence of your diagnosis to show your employer, educational establishment or other relevant health or social care provider to gain further support.

Benefits of a diagnosis

• Help you to understand yourself better and know why you find something difficult.
• Learn strategies to help you overcome your difficulties.
• Get support at work or from your education provider to make reasonable adjustments to your work or learning environment.
• Provide others with a better understanding of why you experience and react to the world in the way that you do.

Understanding and managing your ADHD can really improve your wellbeing. Not only will you have better control over the negative aspects of your ADHD but it will also enable you to harness the positive aspects as well. People with ADHD are often highly energised and creative individuals who think in ways that others do not, giving new insights to many situations. Developing your ability to channel this in a meaningful way in your life will also bring benefits.