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.

Abstract gradient design with soft, light colors transitioning from pale green to cream.

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

Abstract light background with soft gradients in pale colors, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.

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.

10%

Instructions

Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.

How often do your emotions or worries feel hard to manage?

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.

10%

Instructions

Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.

How often do your emotions or worries feel hard to manage?

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.

10%

Instructions

Answer the questions based on the last few weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.

How often do your emotions or worries feel hard to manage?

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?

Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?

Do I have to take medication for ADHD?

Will my ADHD symptoms improve with age?

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?

Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?

Do I have to take medication for ADHD?

Will my ADHD symptoms improve with age?

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?

Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?

Do I have to take medication for ADHD?

Will my ADHD symptoms improve with age?

Abstract light background with soft gradients in pale colors, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.