What is ADHD?
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels and impulse control. Many adults only find out they have it later in life, often after years of struggling without knowing why.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is assessed through a structured clinical evaluation, not a single questionnaire or test. We consider your experiences from childhood through adulthood, your current symptoms, and how these affect different areas of your life. We also explore other possible explanations for your difficulties.
ADHD-related attention difficulties can include finding it hard to stay focused on routine or lengthy tasks, overlooking details, becoming distracted, losing track of conversations or instructions, and struggling to organise or finish what you start. Some people can focus intensely on activities they find particularly interesting, while finding everyday responsibilities much harder to manage.
Hyperactivity in adults is not always obvious physical movement. It may feel like constant internal restlessness, a mind that rarely slows down, difficulty relaxing, fidgeting, talking excessively or feeling uncomfortable when expected to sit still. These experiences can affect sleep, work and the ability to switch off.
Impulsivity may involve interrupting others, speaking before fully considering what to say, making quick decisions, impatience or finding it difficult to wait. It can sometimes affect spending, relationships or emotional responses. Not everyone experiences these difficulties in the same way, and symptoms must be understood in their wider clinical context.
How ADHD can affect daily life
ADHD can affect education, work, relationships, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Some people develop coping strategies that mask their difficulties for years.
Learn more about signs of ADHD in adults and ADHD in women.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Take our short, confidential self-check. It is an initial screen, not a diagnosis.