What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood. Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.

The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with:

organisation and time management
following instructions
focusing and completing tasks
coping with stress
feeling restless or impatient
impulsiveness and risk taking

Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction.

How do I get an assessment?

The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Adult ADHD service is a specialist service that provides assessment and diagnosis of ADHD and its core symptoms in adults. Speak to your GP who will discuss with you what your referral options are.

These may include:

A referral to The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Adult ADHD service.
A referral to another provider who is qualified to deliver the service you need under Right to Choose.

What is Autism Spectrum Condition?

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and challenges. Some autistic people may find it hard to communicate and interact with other people, find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming and stressful or they may get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations.

Getting help

You should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP if you think their behaviour may be different from most children their age.

It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD or Autism but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.

Self-help hints and tips

Try to get a good night’s sleep by turning off electronic devices, such as mobile telephones or tablet computers, an hour before sleep.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet, with enough fresh fruit and vegetables.
Get regular exercise, this could include a brisk walk.
Worried, stressed or anxious? Talk to someone about it; don’t bottle it up problems or worries.
Got too much to do? Break down tasks or work in small chunks or steps, take your time.
If it helps create a routine in your daily life. If structure works for you – use it. Try setting reminders.
Try and find or do a hobby. This will encourage you to learn maybe a new skill and can help make new friends.
Focus on the positives in your life, not the negatives. Nobody is perfect, but everybody has strengths and skills.

Are you aware of Talking Therapies?

NHS Talking Therapies offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, low mood, anxiety and stress.

How to contact us in your area.

We provide a variety of services including;

Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) (Silvercloud)
1:1 CBT sessions (telephone, video or face-to-face appointments)
Counselling for depression
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Group sessions
Employment advisors
Signposting / Referring to other services

We work with the following conditions:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Stress
Low mood and depression
Panic Disorder
Sleep difficulties
Phobias
Health anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Low self-esteem
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Pre and post-natal wellbeing concerns
Dealing with difficult life events
Living with a long-term health condition

We do not offer:

Diagnosis
Medication
Treatment for individuals currently already receiving psychological therapies treatment from another mental health service or on a waiting list for mental health treatment (excludes ADHD Service).
Emergency treatment for individuals in crisis and in need urgent help with mental health