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ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
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SERVICES
PSYCHIATRY
ANXIETY
ANXIETY
ANXIETY
ADHD
Understanding
ADHD
Symptoms of
ADHD in Children & Adults
ADHD
Physical symptoms
ADHD often manifests through physical restlessness and hyperactivity. You might find yourself constantly fidgeting, tapping your feet, playing with objects, or feeling like you need to move around frequently. Many people with ADHD struggle to sit still for extended periods and may feel physically uncomfortable when required to remain seated.
Sleep difficulties are also common, including trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested after sleep. Some people experience coordination challenges, frequent accidents or injuries due to impulsivity, and physical tension from constantly trying to control restless energy. These physical symptoms can be exhausting and impact your overall well-being.
Emotional & Mental
ADHD significantly affects emotional regulation and mental processes. You might experience intense emotions that feel overwhelming or difficult to control, quick shifts in mood, and reactions that seem disproportionate to situations. Many people struggle with low self-esteem, especially after years of feeling different or facing criticism.
Mentally, ADHD can cause racing thoughts, difficulty organizing ideas, and challenges with working memory - like losing track of conversations or forgetting instructions moments after hearing them. Procrastination, time blindness, and difficulty prioritizing tasks are common. Many people also experience rejection sensitivity, where criticism feels particularly painful, and chronic feelings of underachievement despite their efforts.
When to seek an evaluation
Consider seeking help when ADHD symptoms significantly impact your daily functioning, relationships, work, or school performance. If you're consistently struggling with organization, time management, or completing tasks despite your best efforts, or if others frequently comment on your attention or behavior patterns, an evaluation could be helpful.
It's especially important to seek help if you're experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, or depression related to these challenges, or if you're using unhealthy coping strategies. Many adults seek help when they recognize ADHD symptoms in their children and realize they've had similar struggles throughout their lives. Remember, getting help isn't about having severe symptoms - it's about improving your quality of life and understanding yourself better.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It's one of the most common conditions in children and often continues into adulthood, though many people don't get diagnosed until they're older.
People with ADHD might struggle with staying focused on tasks, sitting still, following instructions, or controlling impulsive behaviours. These difficulties can significantly impact school performance, work productivity, and relationships. Getting a proper assessment is important because ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions and early identification leads to better support and outcomes.
Common forms of ADHD
Inattentive ADHD: People with this type mainly struggle with focusing attention and staying on task. They might not seem to listen when spoken to, make careless mistakes at school or work, and have difficulty staying organised. Forgetting daily tasks or responsibilities is also common.
Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD: This type involves primarily impulsive and restless behaviour. People may fidget constantly, interrupt conversations, and find it hard to sit still or stay quiet. They often rush through activities, struggle to wait their turn, or have emotional responses that seem disproportionate to the situation.
What are the root causes of ADHD?
Adult and child ADHD are the same condition, though they may present differently - adults often experience more internal symptoms whilst children show more external behaviours. Researchers haven't identified the exact causes, but both genetic and environmental factors likely contribute.
Family history plays a significant role - relatives of people with ADHD are more likely to have it. Environmental risks include low birth weight, premature birth, and exposure to toxins during pregnancy. Men are diagnosed more often than women, with women more commonly having inattentive type. ADHD frequently occurs with other conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Gold-standard
Evaluation framework
Complementary consultation
Your assessment begins with a comprehensive phone consultation where you can discuss your experiences openly with a qualified clinician. This is a thorough conversation designed to understand how symptoms may be affecting your work, relationships, education, or daily life. Your clinician will ask detailed questions about your specific challenges while using their clinical expertise to identify patterns that may indicate ADHD.
Our remote assessment approach allows you to participate from the comfort of your own environment, eliminating the need for travel or waiting rooms. This setting often facilitates more open communication, as people tend to feel more relaxed when discussing personal experiences from familiar surroundings, leading to a more accurate assessment process.
Clinical Assessment
Following the initial screening, if ADHD appears likely, we conduct a more detailed evaluation. Your clinician will explore your medical and family history, examining patterns that may have been previously overlooked. This includes discussing childhood experiences, academic or work performance, and how you or your child manage relationships and daily responsibilities.
We understand that ADHD symptoms can present differently across various life stages and environments. Many adults discover that challenges they attributed to personal shortcomings are actually symptoms of an undiagnosed condition. Similarly, parents often recognise familiar patterns in their children's behaviour. This comprehensive evaluation ensures we develop a complete understanding of your unique circumstances through secure remote consultations.
Diagnostic Report and further recommendations
After thoroughly reviewing all assessment information, your clinician will determine whether you or your child meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed, this begins a collaborative treatment planning process. Your clinician will discuss evidence-based treatment options, which may include medication, cognitive behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes, and organisational strategies tailored specifically to you.
ADHD is a highly treatable condition, and many individuals experience significant improvements in their quality of life with appropriate intervention. Treatment plans are individualised based on your circumstances, goals, and preferences. Your clinician will provide ongoing monitoring and support, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal outcomes throughout your treatment journey.
ADHD
Three in four parents say their child's assessment lifted the weight of uncertainty off their shoulders.
moves you forward.
Insight that
01
Speak with your dedicated care navigator in an initial consultation where we focus on understanding your unique situation and gather essential information.
Free consultation
02
Via the client portal, You'll be matched with a Nuvirtis clinician who specializes in exactly what your child needs.
Appointment scheduling
03
Choose between our virtual, hybrid or in-person assessment pathways - based on what suits your family best.
Choose desired pathway
04
Begin the assessment process. Our clinicians use proven tools such as ADOS-2, ADI-R, and adhere strictly to the diagnostic guidelines set out by the DSM-5.
Begin assessment
01
Assessment
Initial
Connect with your provider via online video conference to talk about your concerns, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Measurable results
the whole family feels.
Client satisfaction isn't just a goal - it's what drives every decision we make.
Frequently asked questions
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