ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition thought to effect up to 5% of the UK population - or roughly 3 million people.
ADHD is stereotypically defined by getting distracted easily or notably high energy levels, but these aren’t the only symptoms. It's also often associated with strengths such as heightened creativity and a strong sense of intuition.
While a lifelong condition, ADHD can be effectively managed with medication, therapy, and self-help strategies.
What are the different types of ADHD?
There are three different types of ADHD, each with their own unique set of associated traits.
Inattentive ADHD
People with inattentive ADHD (formerly known as ADD) may struggle to stay focused or pay attention for long periods.
Among other symptoms, people with inattentive ADHD may:
- Appear forgetful or easily distracted
- Find it difficult to follow instructions or fully complete tasks
- Have trouble paying attention to and remembering details
- Forget to complete routine tasks, like homework or vacuuming
- Have difficulty focusing on long tasks that require intense focus, like reading.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often manifests through high energy levels and impulsive behaviours.
Among other symptoms, people with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may:
- Feel they are constantly 'on the go', as if driven by an internal motor
- Act spontaneously without considering the consequences
- Interrupt people when they're talking, or blurting out comments and answers before it's their turn to speak
- Fidget or squirm in their seat, or leave their seat unexpectedly
- Get into trouble often or not recognise when situations may be dangerous.
Combined type ADHD
Combined type ADHD is the most common form of ADHD, where an individual shows characteristics of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Signs of ADHD in children
While any child can demonstrate traits of ADHD, such as high energy levels or forgetfulness, these symptoms will typically be more frequent and pronounced in a child with ADHD.
These behaviours generally fall into three categories:
1. Inattentiveness
This is often characterised by challenges maintaining focus on tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as, but not limited to:
- Difficulty following instructions at home or school.
- Frequent forgetfulness regarding daily chores or schoolwork.
- Poor organisational skills, often leading to lost items or tasks being left unfinished.
2. Hyperactivity
This manifests as physical restlessness, or a feeling that they're being 'driven' by an internal motor. For example, a child may display the following behaviours:
- Fidgeting or squirming when required to sit still.
- Inability to stay seated during meals or quiet activities.
- Excessive talking or difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly.
3. Impulsivity
This refers to acting on an internal whim, often without considering the consequences:
- Interrupting others during conversations or games.
- Blurting out answers before a question has been fully asked.
- Trouble waiting for their turn.
It's important to remember that ADHD presents differently in every child; some may primarily struggle with attention, while others are predominantly hyperactive.
If you recognise these patterns in your child, your first step should be consulting a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can help children and young people manager their symptoms and succeed in school and daily life, including:
- Requesting reasonable adjustments and tailored support at school.
- Accessing effective interventions that your child thrive socially and academically.
- Living a more satisfying and empowering life by reducing the frustration often associated with undiagnosed ADHD.
Please visit our children's ADHD page for more information on our services.
Characteristics of ADHD in adults
ADHD is often associated with childhood, but ADHD isn't something you grow out of; children with ADHD grow up to become adults with ADHD, and their symptoms may change as they age.
Over time, some adults may employ a technique known as 'masking' - a coping mechanism used to hide neurodivergent traits and present themselves as neurotypical. While masking can help someone navigate social situations, it's emotionally taxing and can lead to burnout and a sense of low self-worth.
Executive function and focus
In adults, 'inattentiveness' can create challenges with the complex logistics of adult life, or with common executive functions:
- Time blindness: A chronic difficulty keeping a schedule, estimating how long tasks will take, or meeting deadlines.
- Disorganisation: Feeling overwhelmed by 'life admin' like personal finances, housework, or childcare.
- External and internal distractions: Losing focus due to background noise or a 'racing mind' that jumps between internal thoughts.
Impulsivity and stimulation
Impulsivity can take different forms, from a physical need to stay in motion to managing sudden, intense urges for stimulation or instant rewards. Other examples may include:
- Communications hurdles: Frequent interrupting or finishing other people's sentences.
- Dopamine seeking: Engaging in risky behaviours, impulsive spending, or substance use to 'quiet' the brain.
- Low frustration tolerance: Feeling an intense sense of impatience in traffic, queues, or slow-moving conversations.
Emotional regulation
Often considered the 'hidden' symptom of adult ADHD, emotional instability can have a major impact on relationships:
- Mood swings: Experiencing rapid shifts in mood that can feel intense but short-lived.
- Emotional sensitivity: Finding it difficult to 'shake off' minor stresses or perceived rejection (also known as rejection sensitivity).
- Irritability: A general sense of restlessness or feeling easily 'on edge' when under-stimulated.
Many adults who suspect they have ADHD hesitate to seek an assessment, wondering if a diagnosis is even worth it after a lifetime of managing it themselves. 'How much would really changed if I were diagnosed?' is a common question.
The truth is that a clinical diagnosis can be a game-changer for many, allowing you to:
- Access medication or therapy solutions to help you manage your symptoms.
- Help loved ones understand that perceived personality traits, like forgetfulness, are actually ADHD symptoms and not the result of a lack of care.
- Implement strategies that play to your strengths rather than fighting against your natural wiring.
Please visit our adult ADHD page for more information on our assessment services.
What support is available to people with ADHD?
ADHD is not a problem to be solved; it’s a difference in brain chemistry, and those differences can be supported and managed in a few different ways.
Getting an ADHD assessment
If you believe you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They’ll ask you a few questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and if they believe an ADHD assessment is in your best interests, they can refer you for a clinical assessment.
Unfortunately, the national average wait time for an ADHD assessment through community health services, including the NHS, was 2 years and 5 months as of 2024. This is where Right to Choose comes in.
Right to Choose is an NHS scheme that allows patients registered in England to request their care be transferred to a private provider. In this case, you can ask your GP to refer you to a service like ProblemShared to access your assessment faster, which will be funded by the NHS England.
Please visit our Right to Choose page for more information on our service, or our 'What to expect from a Right to Choose ADHD assessment' to better understand the assessment process.
Talking therapies and psychoeducation
Talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy can be an effective way of supporting people with their ADHD, especially in circumstances where their symptoms are having a consistent impact on their daily life.
At ProblemShared, we also offer psychoeducation sessions to qualifying ADHD clients. Over the course of four sessions, our ADHD specialists will cover different topics related to your diagnosis, including strategies you can use to help manage your symptoms.
ADHD medication
In certain cases, ADHD medication may be prescribed to help manage a patient’s symptoms.
Medication can only be prescribed to patients who meet the provider's suitability criterion; you will be asked to provide information before being referred for an initial medication appointment, to help your clinician better understand what treatment may be appropriate for you.
There are two main types of medication that can be prescribed to help a person manage the challenges associated with their ADHD:
- Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dexamfetamine/lisdexamfetamine are commonly used in the treatment of ADHD.
- Non-stimulant medications, like atomoxetine and guanfacine, are also available for those who may not respond well to stimulants, or who have certain medical conditions that prevent their use.
The types of medication prescribed will depend on factors such as a person's age, their individual response to different drugs, any potential side effects, and any underlying health conditions they may have.
Experts recommend that medication is only ever considered as one part of a more comprehensive support plan that could also include behavioural therapy, counselling, education support, and daily lifestyle changes.
Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional specialising in ADHD management is crucial for finding the most appropriate medication options tailored to each person's unique needs.
Lifestyle changes and additional support
If you choose not to pursue ADHD medication, or do not qualify, don't worry; there are several lifestyle changes and daily techniques that can help you manage the various symptoms of ADHD.
In our 'How to manage ADHD without medication' article, we've covered mover 60 of the most effective techniques recommended by our ADHD team, including many staff members who themselves have been diagnosed with ADHD and use these techniques themselves.
How can ProblemShared help?
If you think you may have ADHD and would like to seek an assessment, we can help.
We've been assessing patients for autism and ADHD for over half a decade; our assessments are completely remote, allowing you to access clinical support from the comfort of your own home.
As an approved NHS Right to Choose vendor, you can ask your GP to refer you to our service. Our current ADHD wait times are available on the Right to Choose page; please be aware that our medication wait times are separate to our assessment wait times.
You can also check out our online ADHD screener - a short online test intended to help you understand whether your current experiences tally with the symptoms of ADHD.
While the screener cannot replace the clinical rigour of a professional ADHD diagnosis, it can help you understand whether an ADHD assessment would be in your best interests.
