Diagnosis, Assessment, and Management of ADHD in Adults

Adults presenting with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are increasingly seeking assessment and treatment in both primary and secondary care settings. This course is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their confidence in diagnosing ADHD and recommending both medical and non-medical management strategies. Developed by experts in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodiversity from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Maudsley Private Care, the course is grounded in the latest evidence and guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Throughout the course, you will develop your skills in taking an ADHD-focused history, learn about the role of standardised assessment tools, and provide psychoeducation to clients with an ADHD diagnosis. You will also explore how to approach cases where diagnostic thresholds are not met, as well as common psychiatric and neurodevelopmental comorbidities, and how to assess for ADHD in complex situations.

Day 1 will focus on the assessment process and diagnostic criteria, catering to all learner groups. Day 2 will extend beyond diagnosis to include psychoeducation, pharmacological treatments, and non-pharmacological interventions.

Please note that this course is not an accreditation to be an ADHD assessor. There is no accrediting body or certification system in the UK or internationally at this time; therefore, no one can hold a specific accreditation. This course provides the clinical skills and knowledge needed to assess and treat ADHD; however, it does not assure that you are competent to do so. You should consult your professional guidelines and manager to determine whether you have the adequate clinical experience to assess and treat ADHD independently.This course will address the use of structured screening tools (Barkley’s, Wender Utah, Vanderbilt, DERS) and diagnostic ones (DIVA, Conners Adult). It is not a training programme for administering diagnostic questionnaires, and neither of the two diagnostic questionnaires requires specific certification to administer.