ADHD in adults: What to look for and what to do next | Upcoming webinar

Many of the traits associated with ADHD, such as forgetfulness, distraction or difficulty staying organised, are things that everyone experiences from time to time. The difference is not simply whether these things happen, but how often they happen, how severe they are, and whether they are having a significant impact on everyday life.

In our upcoming webinar, Dr Heidi Phillips will explore what ADHD can look like in adulthood, why it is often missed, and what to consider if you are wondering whether an assessment might be right for you.

What is ADHD?

Despite its name, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often about much more than attention alone. Adults with ADHD may experience challenges with:

• time management and "time blindness"

• emotional regulation

• organisation and planning

• starting or completing tasks

• forgetfulness

• restlessness

• managing competing demands and responsibilities

While these experiences are common across the general population, ADHD is characterised by the extent to which they affect someone's ability to function across different areas of life.

Many adults describe feeling as though they are working significantly harder than those around them simply to keep up. From the outside, they may appear to be coping well, while internally they are relying on extensive strategies and structures to stay on top of daily demands.

Why does ADHD only become noticeable in adulthood?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood. It does not suddenly appear in adulthood. However, the way it presents can change over time.

For some people, the supports and coping strategies they have developed throughout childhood, education and early career stages are enough to help them manage. Difficulties may only become apparent when life becomes more complex or existing strategies stop working.

Common trigger points can be:

• starting university

• beginning a new career

• taking on greater workplace responsibilities

• becoming a parent

• managing a household and family life

• hormonal changes throughout life

At these points, the demands on planning, organisation and executive functioning can increase significantly, making underlying difficulties more noticeable.

Why is ADHD in women often missed?

Historically, ADHD has been associated with hyperactive young boys. However, many women with ADHD present differently and may go unrecognised for years.

Rather than externalised hyperactivity, women may experience:

• feeling overwhelmed

• internal restlessness

• chronic anxiety

• difficulties managing everyday responsibilities

• emotional exhaustion

As a result, many women receive other diagnoses first, including anxiety or depression, before ADHD is considered.

Hormonal changes throughout life can also influence how symptoms present and are experienced. This is one reason why increasing numbers of women are seeking ADHD assessments later in life, including during perimenopause and menopause.

How has social media influenced ADHD diagnosis?

Social media has undoubtedly increased awareness of ADHD, helping many people recognise experiences that may previously have gone unexplained. However, awareness can sometimes lead people to identify with a diagnosis before fully understanding the symptoms they are experiencing.

A key part of any clinical assessment is moving beyond tick-box symptoms and exploring the wider picture.

Rather than asking, "Do you lose things?" or "Do you struggle to focus?", clinicians are looking for patterns that have persisted throughout life, have affected multiple settings, and cannot be better explained by another condition.

This is important because symptoms such as poor concentration, forgetfulness or disorganisation can occur for many reasons, including anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep difficulties or autism. A thorough assessment explores all possibilities before arriving at a diagnosis.

When should you consider an ADHD assessment?

There is no single threshold for seeking help.

You do not need to be in crisis, lose your job or reach breaking point before considering an assessment. Instead, it can be helpful to think about how much effort it takes to get through everyday life and whether you find yourself constantly firefighting challenges that others seem to manage more easily.

If you are considering an assessment, it can be useful to reflect on recurring themes throughout your life, including:

• work and career challenges

• difficulties in education

• relationship patterns

• financial management

• organisation and daily responsibilities

If possible, gathering information from family members or historic school reports can also provide valuable context, as ADHD requires evidence that difficulties have been present from childhood.

What does an ADHD assessment entail?

A comprehensive ADHD assessment should explore:

• early childhood experiences

• education

• employment history

• relationships

• current challenges

• strengths and coping strategies

• potential alternative explanations for symptoms

The aim is not simply to determine whether someone meets diagnostic criteria, but to understand the whole person and how their experiences fit together.

What happens after a diagnosis?

Many people view diagnosis as the destination, but in reality it is often the beginning of the journey.

Some people feel relief and validation. Others experience sadness, anger or grief as they reflect on years of challenges that may previously have gone unexplained. These and any other reactions are personal, and completely understandable.

Following diagnosis, support may include:

• medication

• ADHD coaching

• psychological support

• workplace adjustments

• practical strategies and tools

Importantly, support is highly individual. What works well for one person may not work for another. The goal is not simply to receive a diagnosis, but to develop a better understanding of yourself and identify approaches that help you thrive.

What happens if I do not receive a diagnosis?

Receiving a different outcome from an assessment does not mean your difficulties are any less real.

A high-quality assessment should still provide meaningful insight into the challenges you are experiencing, explore possible explanations and offer guidance on what steps to take next.

The purpose of assessment is not to secure a particular label but to better understand the factors contributing to your experiences and identify the most appropriate support.