ADHD recognition
Revise persistent inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity across settings, functional impairment, childhood onset clues and adult presentations such as inner restlessness.
MRCGP AKT neurodiversity revision
Neurodevelopmental questions test recognition and safe GP support: ADHD, autism, referral pathways, reasonable adjustments, medication monitoring and mental health overlap.
Quick answer
For AKT neurodiversity revision, prioritise ADHD and autism recognition, specialist referral pathways, reasonable adjustments, shared-care medication monitoring, diagnostic overshadowing, safeguarding and mental health comorbidity.
What to revise first
Autism recognition
Know social communication differences, restricted or repetitive patterns, sensory sensitivities, masking, late adult presentation and when specialist assessment is needed.
Referral pathways
GPs recognise and refer rather than diagnose most ADHD or autism presentations. AKT stems often test appropriate specialist referral and avoiding unsupported reassurance.
Medication monitoring
Cover stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medicines, shared-care principles, baseline cardiovascular checks, blood pressure, pulse, weight, appetite, sleep and mood monitoring.
Reasonable adjustments
Revise predictable appointments, written summaries, clear literal language, reduced sensory load, extra processing time and flexible examination or investigation plans.
Mental health overlap
Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, sleep problems, self-harm and substance misuse may present differently in neurodivergent patients and need adapted assessment.
Red flags to recognise quickly
- Suicidal ideation, self-harm, severe depression, psychosis, safeguarding concern or acute functional collapse
- New severe anxiety, eating restriction, school refusal, burnout, shutdowns or marked deterioration after transition
- Chest pain, syncope, palpitations, severe hypertension, weight loss or serious adverse effects on ADHD medication
- Substance misuse, medication diversion, escalating stimulant dose requests or unsafe shared-care monitoring gaps
- Diagnostic overshadowing where pain, epilepsy, sleep disorder, endocrine disease or mental illness is being missed
- Carer breakdown, domestic abuse, exploitation, bullying, isolation or inability to access routine healthcare
Why this topic catches candidates out
The common mistake is treating neurodivergence as a narrow diagnosis question. AKT stems often test access, adaptation, medication safety, risk assessment and whether mental or physical illness is being missed.
AKT neurodiversity FAQ
Is neurodiversity tested in the MRCGP AKT?
Yes. Neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodiversity is a named RCGP curriculum topic. AKT questions can test ADHD, autism, referral pathways, reasonable adjustments, mental health overlap and medication monitoring.
What should I revise first for AKT neurodiversity?
Prioritise ADHD and autism recognition, specialist referral pathways, reasonable adjustments, shared-care medication monitoring, safeguarding, diagnostic overshadowing and mental health comorbidity.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD or autism for the AKT?
In most AKT scenarios, the GP role is to recognise features, assess risk and impairment, make reasonable adjustments, and refer to an appropriate specialist assessment pathway rather than making a new diagnosis alone.
What monitoring matters for ADHD medication?
Know baseline cardiovascular history, blood pressure, pulse, height or weight, appetite, sleep, mood and adverse effects. Shared-care prescribing depends on local arrangements and specialist initiation.
Official sources
This is revision guidance, not official RCGP advice. Check current RCGP, NICE, local neurodevelopmental pathways, shared-care arrangements and BNF guidance for clinical decisions. Last reviewed June 2026.
October sitting
Oct 26
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