Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) starts in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and medications for ADHD in adults or make an appointment for a private adult ADHD assessment below.
Adult ADHD Is Categorised Into 2 Types Of Behavioural Problems
It’s categorised into 2 types of behavioural problems: inattentiveness (attention deficit), and hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Most people with ADHD have problems in both these categories but this is not always the case. ADHD symptoms in children and teenagers are well defined, and they’re usually noticeable before the age of 6. They occur in more than one situation, such as at home and at school.

Inattentiveness / Attention Deficit
- a short attention span and being easily distracted
- making careless mistakes – e.g. in schoolwork
- appearing forgetful or losing things
- inability to stick to tedious or time-consuming tasks
- appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
- constantly changing activity or task
- difficulty organising tasks

Hyperactivity And Impulsiveness
- being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- constantly fidgeting
- being unable to concentrate on tasks
- excessive physical movement
- excessive talking
- being unable to wait their turn
- acting without thinking
- interrupting conversations
- little or no sense of danger
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Medications And Treatments Of ADHD In Adults
What Causes ADHD?
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The exact cause is unknown but the condition has been shown to run in families. Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.
Other potential factors include:
- being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- having a low birthweight
- smoking, or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy.
ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it’s more common in people with learning difficulties.
Diagnosis Of ADHD In Adults
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Diagnosing Adult ADHD is more difficult because there’s some disagreement about whether the list of symptoms used to diagnose children and teenagers also applies to adults. In some cases, an adult may be diagnosed with ADHD if they have 6 or more of the symptoms of inattentiveness, or 6 or more of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, listed in diagnostic criteria for children with ADHD.
As part of your assessment, the Adult ADHD specialist will ask about your present symptoms. However, under current diagnostic guidelines, a diagnosis of ADHD in adults cannot be confirmed unless your symptoms have been present from childhood.
If you find it difficult to remember whether you had problems as a child, or you were not diagnosed with ADHD when you were younger, your specialist may wish to see your old school reports or talk to your parents, teachers or anyone else who knew you well when you were a child.
For a diagnosis of Adult ADHD to be made, symptoms should also have a moderate effect on different areas of their life, such as:
- underachieving at work or in education
- driving dangerously
- difficulty making or keeping friends
- difficulty in relationships with partners.
If your problems are recent and did not occur regularly in the past, you’re not considered to have ADHD as it’s currently thought that ADHD cannot develop for the first time in adults.
Treatment For ADHD In Adults
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Treatment for ADHD can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a daily problem.
ADHD can be treated using medication or therapy but a combination of both is often best. Treatment is usually arranged by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, although the condition may be monitored by your GP.
5 Types Of Medication Licensed For The Treatment Of ADHD
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There are 5 types of medication licensed for the treatment of ADHD:
- Methylphenidate
- Dexamfetamine
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine
These medications are not a permanent cure for ADHD but may help someone with the condition concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practise new skills.
If you’re prescribed one of these medications, you’ll be given small doses at first, which may then be gradually increased (titration). You will need to see your Adult ADHD specialist and GP for regular check-ups to ensure the treatment is working effectively and check for any side effects or problems. It’s important to let your GP know about any side effects and talk to them if you feel you need to stop or change treatment. Your specialist will discuss how long you should take your treatment but, in many cases, treatment is continued for as long as it is helping.
Methylphenidate
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Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for ADHD. It belongs to a group of medicines called stimulants, which work by increasing activity in the brain, particularly in areas that play a part in controlling attention and behaviour.
The medication can be taken as either immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) or as modified-release tablets (taken once a day in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day).
Common side effects of methylphenidate include:
- a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
- insomnia
- headaches
- stomach aches
- mood swings
Lisdexamfetamine
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Lisdexamfetamine is a similar medication to dexamfetamine and works in the same way. Adults may be offered lisdexamfetamine as the first-choice medication instead of methylphenidate.
Lisdexamfetamine comes in capsule form, taken once a day.
Common side effects of lisdexamfetamine include:
- decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
- aggression
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- nausea and vomiting
Dexamfetamine
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Dexamfetamine is similar to lisdexamfetamine and works in the same way.
Dexamfetamine is usually taken as a tablet once or twice a day, although an oral solution is also available.
Common side effects of dexamfetamine include:
- decreased appetite
- mood swings
- agitation and aggression
- dizziness
- headaches
- diarrhoea
- nausea and vomiting
Atomoxetine
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Atomoxetine works differently from other ADHD medications. It’s a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which means it increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and help control impulses.
Atomoxetine may be offered to adults if it’s not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
Atomoxetine comes in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day.
Common side effects of atomoxetine include:
- a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach aches
- trouble sleeping
- dizziness
- headaches
- irritability
Atomoxetine has also been linked to some more serious side effects that are important to look out for, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage. If either you begin to feel depressed or suicidal while taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
Guanfacine
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Guanfacine acts on part of the brain to improve attention, and it also reduces blood pressure.
It may be offered to teenagers and children over the age of 5 if it’s not possible to use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Guanfacine should not be offered to adults with ADHD.
Guanfacine is usually taken as a tablet once a day, in the morning or evening.
Common side effects include:
- tiredness or fatigue
- headache
- abdominal pain
- dry mouth
Therapy
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As well as taking medication, different therapies can be useful in treating Adult ADHD. Therapy is also effective in treating additional problems, such as anxiety disorders, that may appear with ADHD.
Some of the therapies that may be used are outlined below.
Psychoeducation
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Psychoeducation can help adults make sense of being diagnosed with ADHD, and can help you to cope and live with the condition.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. A therapist would try to change how you feel about a situation, which would in turn potentially change your behaviour.
Other Possible Treatments
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There are other ways of treating ADHD that some people with the condition find helpful, such as cutting out certain foods and taking supplements. However, there’s no strong evidence these work, and they should not be attempted without medical advice.
Diet
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People with ADHD should eat a healthy, balanced diet. Do not cut out foods before seeking medical advice. Some people may notice a link between types of food and worsening ADHD symptoms. If this is the case, keep a food and drink diary, and what behaviour follows. Discuss this with your GP whom may refer you to a dietitian.
Supplements
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Some studies have suggested that supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be beneficial for people with ADHD, although the evidence supporting this is very limited. It’s advisable to talk to your GP before using any supplements because some can react unpredictably with medication or make it less effective. You should also remember that some supplements should not be taken long term, as they can reach dangerous levels in your body.
Private Adult ADHD Assessment And Treatment
It’s been a busy year so far for enquiries for private Adult ADHD assessments! It’s been a pleasure assessing several clients from very diverse backgrounds who turned out to have Adult ADHD. They’re all thankfully on the road to recovery with the right medication and support.
I’m also looking forward to attending the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) conference at the Mermaid Conference and Events Centre in London.
According to Professor Philip Asherson, UKAAN President, the conference will celebrate 10 years of the UK Adult ADHD network. There’s been a rapid advance in our understanding of ADHD across the lifespan, the availability of diagnostic services and access to effective treatments.
Adult ADHD Screening, Diagnostic Assessment (up to 3 hours) & 3 Months’ Medical Treatment & Follow-up: £800 – £1300
– Initial ADHD Pre-screening is free to establish your suitability for the full assessment: school reports, completion of online ADHD screening, & Pre-assessment forms.
– Face-to-face or Online video consultation including Adult Functioning Interview (AFI) & Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5) within 3 months costs £800.
– Out-of-hours private assessment within a month is also available for £1050 or within a week for £1300 if it is urgent; after receiving your completed Pre-assessment and screening forms. Subject to positive screening and availability.
– Initiation of medication after assessment (unless you are experiencing moderate to severe hypertension, symptomatic cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism) & stabilisation of appropriate medication for Adult ADHD over 3 months, if needed.
– 3 x monthly private controlled drug (CD) prescriptions for medication are included; the private medication will have to be paid for at a pharmacy.
– 2 x specialist Follow-up reviews after three weeks and seven weeks on medication are included to monitor and support your recovery.
– Email support and advice throughout the recovery process and monitoring of pulse, blood pressure, and weight for 3 months.
– Adult ADHD non-medical management self-help leaflets focusing on effective psychosocial interventions.
– If your GP agrees to prescribe your Adult ADHD medication on the NHS after a private specialist assessment, we can provide a Comprehensive Medical Report (£200) and a Shared Care Agreement (£50) with your GP if needed. Please check with your GP first.
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