Understanding
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and energy levels. Whilst commonly associated with children, ADHD also affects adults, making tasks like organising, staying on schedule, or completing work challenging.
Understanding
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and energy levels. Whilst commonly associated with children, ADHD also affects adults, making tasks like organising, staying on schedule, or completing work challenging.
Understanding
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and energy levels. Whilst commonly associated with children, ADHD also affects adults, making tasks like organising, staying on schedule, or completing work challenging.
What does ADHD feel like?
Living with ADHD can feel like your mind is always racing or being pulled in multiple directions. You might struggle to concentrate, forget appointments, lose things, or find it difficult to finish tasks, which can lead to frustration, underachievement, and strained relationships.
Many people experience restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still. The constant internal chatter and distractibility can make even simple activities feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination and a sense of being constantly behind or disorganised.
Common Symptoms
Difficulty sustaining attention and focus
Hyperactivity and restlessness
Impulsive decision-making and actions
Forgetfulness and losing important items
Difficulty organising tasks and managing time
Procrastination and trouble completing projects
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Emotional dysregulation and mood swings
What does ADHD feel like?
Living with ADHD can feel like your mind is always racing or being pulled in multiple directions. You might struggle to concentrate, forget appointments, lose things, or find it difficult to finish tasks, which can lead to frustration, underachievement, and strained relationships.
Many people experience restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still. The constant internal chatter and distractibility can make even simple activities feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination and a sense of being constantly behind or disorganised.
Common Symptoms
Difficulty sustaining attention and focus
Hyperactivity and restlessness
Impulsive decision-making and actions
Forgetfulness and losing important items
Difficulty organising tasks and managing time
Procrastination and trouble completing projects
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Emotional dysregulation and mood swings
What does ADHD feel like?
Living with ADHD can feel like your mind is always racing or being pulled in multiple directions. You might struggle to concentrate, forget appointments, lose things, or find it difficult to finish tasks, which can lead to frustration, underachievement, and strained relationships.
Many people experience restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still. The constant internal chatter and distractibility can make even simple activities feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination and a sense of being constantly behind or disorganised.
Common Symptoms
Difficulty sustaining attention and focus
Hyperactivity and restlessness
Impulsive decision-making and actions
Forgetfulness and losing important items
Difficulty organising tasks and managing time
Procrastination and trouble completing projects
Easily distracted by external stimuli
Emotional dysregulation and mood swings
History of ADHD
Understanding ADHD has evolved significantly throughout medical history, from early behavioural observations to modern neuroscientific insights.
1902
British paediatrician Sir George Still first described children with attention and behavioural difficulties, referring to a "defect of moral control" in otherwise intelligent children.
1960s
The condition was recognised as "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood" and stimulant medications like methylphenidate began being used as treatment options.
1980s
The term "Attention Deficit Disorder" was introduced, acknowledging attention problems as the core feature, with hyperactivity as a potential but not essential component.
Present
Advanced neuroimaging reveals differences in brain structure and function, leading to better understanding of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition with genetic components and personalised treatment approaches.
History of ADHD
Understanding ADHD has evolved significantly throughout medical history, from early behavioural observations to modern neuroscientific insights.
1902
British paediatrician Sir George Still first described children with attention and behavioural difficulties, referring to a "defect of moral control" in otherwise intelligent children.
1960s
The condition was recognised as "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood" and stimulant medications like methylphenidate began being used as treatment options.
1980s
The term "Attention Deficit Disorder" was introduced, acknowledging attention problems as the core feature, with hyperactivity as a potential but not essential component.
Present
Advanced neuroimaging reveals differences in brain structure and function, leading to better understanding of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition with genetic components and personalised treatment approaches.
History of ADHD
Understanding ADHD has evolved significantly throughout medical history, from early behavioural observations to modern neuroscientific insights.
1902
British paediatrician Sir George Still first described children with attention and behavioural difficulties, referring to a "defect of moral control" in otherwise intelligent children.
1960s
The condition was recognised as "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood" and stimulant medications like methylphenidate began being used as treatment options.
1980s
The term "Attention Deficit Disorder" was introduced, acknowledging attention problems as the core feature, with hyperactivity as a potential but not essential component.
Present
Advanced neuroimaging reveals differences in brain structure and function, leading to better understanding of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition with genetic components and personalised treatment approaches.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
Instructions
Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test explores whether therapy could be helpful for you right now. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
The most effective treatment for ADHD combines medication and therapy. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamines are commonly prescribed, but therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural therapy, and ADHD coaching can help develop practical strategies for organisation, emotional regulation, and managing daily challenges.
Through therapy, you can learn personalised approaches to improve focus, time management, and build confidence in managing your ADHD symptoms.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop personalised strategies for staying organised and focused
Strengthen attention and mindfulness skills
Build self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques
Improve confidence and self-esteem
Enhance communication skills and relationships
Create healthy routines and time management strategies
Practice impulse control in a safe environment
Develop long-term coping mechanisms and life skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ADHD and effective treatment approaches
Can adults have ADHD even if they weren't diagnosed as children?
Absolutely. Many adults, particularly women, receive their first ADHD diagnosis later in life. Symptoms may have been overlooked in childhood or attributed to other factors like anxiety or academic difficulties.
Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?
Current research suggests ADHD may actually be underdiagnosed, especially in girls and adults. Proper diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment by qualified professionals using standardised criteria and ruling out other conditions.
Do I have to take medication for ADHD?
Not necessarily. Whilst medication is often highly effective, treatment plans should be individualised. Some people manage successfully with therapy, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies alone, though many benefit from a combination approach.
Will my ADHD symptoms improve with age?
ADHD symptoms often change rather than disappear with age. Hyperactivity may decrease, but attention and organisation challenges often persist. With proper treatment and strategies, most people learn to manage their symptoms effectively throughout their lives.
How therapy can help
The most effective treatment for ADHD combines medication and therapy. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamines are commonly prescribed, but therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural therapy, and ADHD coaching can help develop practical strategies for organisation, emotional regulation, and managing daily challenges.
Through therapy, you can learn personalised approaches to improve focus, time management, and build confidence in managing your ADHD symptoms.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop personalised strategies for staying organised and focused
Strengthen attention and mindfulness skills
Build self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques
Improve confidence and self-esteem
Enhance communication skills and relationships
Create healthy routines and time management strategies
Practice impulse control in a safe environment
Develop long-term coping mechanisms and life skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ADHD and effective treatment approaches
Can adults have ADHD even if they weren't diagnosed as children?
Absolutely. Many adults, particularly women, receive their first ADHD diagnosis later in life. Symptoms may have been overlooked in childhood or attributed to other factors like anxiety or academic difficulties.
Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?
Current research suggests ADHD may actually be underdiagnosed, especially in girls and adults. Proper diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment by qualified professionals using standardised criteria and ruling out other conditions.
Do I have to take medication for ADHD?
Not necessarily. Whilst medication is often highly effective, treatment plans should be individualised. Some people manage successfully with therapy, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies alone, though many benefit from a combination approach.
Will my ADHD symptoms improve with age?
ADHD symptoms often change rather than disappear with age. Hyperactivity may decrease, but attention and organisation challenges often persist. With proper treatment and strategies, most people learn to manage their symptoms effectively throughout their lives.
How therapy can help
The most effective treatment for ADHD combines medication and therapy. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamines are commonly prescribed, but therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural therapy, and ADHD coaching can help develop practical strategies for organisation, emotional regulation, and managing daily challenges.
Through therapy, you can learn personalised approaches to improve focus, time management, and build confidence in managing your ADHD symptoms.
Benefits of Therapy
Develop personalised strategies for staying organised and focused
Strengthen attention and mindfulness skills
Build self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques
Improve confidence and self-esteem
Enhance communication skills and relationships
Create healthy routines and time management strategies
Practice impulse control in a safe environment
Develop long-term coping mechanisms and life skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ADHD and effective treatment approaches
Can adults have ADHD even if they weren't diagnosed as children?
Absolutely. Many adults, particularly women, receive their first ADHD diagnosis later in life. Symptoms may have been overlooked in childhood or attributed to other factors like anxiety or academic difficulties.
Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?
Current research suggests ADHD may actually be underdiagnosed, especially in girls and adults. Proper diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment by qualified professionals using standardised criteria and ruling out other conditions.
Do I have to take medication for ADHD?
Not necessarily. Whilst medication is often highly effective, treatment plans should be individualised. Some people manage successfully with therapy, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies alone, though many benefit from a combination approach.
Will my ADHD symptoms improve with age?
ADHD symptoms often change rather than disappear with age. Hyperactivity may decrease, but attention and organisation challenges often persist. With proper treatment and strategies, most people learn to manage their symptoms effectively throughout their lives.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
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Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we’re proud to introduce Isabella May Leonard (MSc), an experienced person-centred psychotherapist offering therapy for adults. With over 2,500 clinical hours, Isabella brings warmth, compassion, and professional depth to her practice, with experience across private practice, NHS Talking Therapies, and third-sector services. She provides both short- and long-term therapy, creating a safe and reflective space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace.
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)