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ADHD in adults

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are things you can do to help manage your symptoms.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. If you have ADHD, you may have trouble with things like concentrating and sitting still. There are things you can do to help manage your symptoms.

ADHD in children and young people

There is separate information about ADHD in children and young people.

Symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Symptoms of ADHD involve your ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and your ability to control your impulses (being impulsive).

You may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

  • being easily distracted or forgetful
  • finding it hard to organise your time
  • finding it hard to follow instructions or finish tasks
  • losing things often, like your wallet, mobile or keys

You may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

  • having a lot of energy or feeling restless
  • being very talkative or interrupting conversations
  • making quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result

Most people with ADHD will have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.

These symptoms usually start before the age of 12.

ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in women than men. This may be because women with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise than hyperactive symptoms.

Getting help with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If your ADHD symptoms are affecting your studies, work or relationships, make an appointment with a GP to find out what support is available.

At your appointment, the GP will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They may also want to consider other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety, to help you get the right care.

After the appointment, the GP may decide to refer you for an assessment with a mental health professional specialising in ADHD.

If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and need help for your symptoms, talk to your GP about getting a referral.

People with ADHD may often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety or addictions, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

What happens at an ADHD assessment

Your appointment will be with an ADHD specialist such as a psychiatrist.

They’ll ask about the history of your symptoms, particularly if they started when you were a child, and how these symptoms affected you at school.

The assessment will focus on different areas of your life, including:

  • work and education
  • family and friends
  • medical history, including any mental health issues

The specialist may want to contact someone who knows you well, such as a family member or close friend.

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will talk to you about what this means and what will happen next, including what help and support may be available.

Waiting times for ADHD assessments

Waiting times vary and you may have to wait several months or years to access ADHD specialist services.

How to manage ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

ADHD can be managed in many ways, including lifestyle changes, changes at work, or medicines.

It depends on your symptoms and how they're affecting you. Not everyone needs or wants to take medicine to help manage their ADHD symptoms.

When you get a diagnosis of ADHD, your specialist will discuss ways you can be supported.

Lifestyle

There are things you can do to help yourself.

Make time for physical activities you enjoy, as exercise has many health benefits and can be a good focus for your energy.

Exercise also helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression can make your ADHD symptoms worse.

It’s important to get enough sleep. Having a regular bedtime and a quiet dark bedroom can help. Try to avoid screens, caffeine, sugar and alcohol close to bedtime.

Aim for a healthy, balanced diet and regular mealtimes.

You may also find it helpful to talk to friends and family about your ADHD.

Consult with a doctor about ADHD in adults

Consult with a doctor about ADHD in adults

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Work, college or university

At your workplace or place of study, you can request changes to help you manage your ADHD. These are called “reasonable adjustments”.

Reasonable adjustments may include things like:

  • having a personalised work space in a quiet area
  • having written instructions as well as spoken instructions
  • having help from another person to plan and structure your tasks

Medicines

ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist.

Medicines that can help with ADHD symptoms include methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.

You may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for you.

A GP may be able to take over prescribing ADHD medicines, but only if there is a “shared care agreement” between the GP and the ADHD specialist. To find out more, talk to your ADHD specialist or GP.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, may be recommended for adults with ADHD.

ADHD and driving

You must tell the DVLA if your driving is affected by your ADHD or your ADHD medicine, or both.

ADHD and mental health

People with ADHD may be more likely to have a mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

They are also at higher risk of suicide.

If you're feeling like you want to end your life, it's important to tell someone.

Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

What causes ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

The cause of ADHD is not always known. ADHD may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families.

There are several other things linked to ADHD, including being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury and being autistic.

Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work.

Online doctors for ADHD in adults

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for ADHD in adults with a doctor online.

5.0 (5)
Doctor

Anastasiia Hladkykh

Psychiatry 15 years exp.

Dr Anastasiia Hladkykh is a physician-psychotherapist and psychologist with over 14 years of experience working with individuals struggling with various types of addictions and their families. She provides online consultations for adults, combining medical knowledge with deep psychological support and practical tools.

Key areas of expertise:

  • Addiction treatment: alcohol and drug dependence, gambling addiction, compulsive behaviours, codependent relationships.
  • Support for families of addicted individuals, behavioural correction within the family system, guidance for maintaining remission.
  • Mental health: depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, phobias, PTSD, generalised anxiety, emotional trauma, and the psychological impact of loss or emigration.
  • Psychoeducation: explaining complex mental health concepts in simple language, helping patients and their families understand diagnoses and treatment steps.
Therapeutic approach:
  • Client-centred, straightforward, and empathetic – focused on practical outcomes and emotional stabilisation.
  • Prescribes medications when needed, but always aims to minimise unnecessary pharmaceutical use.
  • Certified in multiple evidence-based methods: CBT, NLP (Master Practitioner), Ericksonian hypnosis, symbol drama, art therapy, and systemic therapy.
  • Each consultation results in a clear, structured plan – patients leave knowing exactly what to do next.
Experience and background:
  • Member of the German association Gesundheitpraktikerin and the NGO “Mit dem Sonne in jedem Herzen.”
  • More than 18 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, translated into several languages.
  • Volunteer work with Ukrainian refugees and military personnel at the University Clinic of Regensburg.
0.0 (1)
Doctor

Daria Portnova

Psychiatry 31 years exp.

Dr Daria Portnova is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience. She works with adults and adolescents aged 14 and over, providing online psychiatric and psychotherapeutic consultations.

In her practice, Dr Portnova supports patients facing the onset of mental health conditions, chronic psychiatric disorders, psychotic symptoms, trauma-related states, and complex emotional crises. Her work is structured and safety-focused, with an emphasis on stabilisation, accurate diagnosis, and long-term improvement in quality of life.

Patients consult Dr Daria Portnova for the following concerns:

  • existential crises and complex life situations;
  • loss, grief, and emotional exhaustion;
  • relationship difficulties, separation, and divorce;
  • psychological and psychiatric trauma, including complex PTSD (cPTSD);
  • anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder;
  • social anxiety and social phobia;
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
  • sleep disorders;
  • depressive disorders;
  • bipolar affective disorder;
  • schizoaffective disorder;
  • schizophrenia;
  • personality disorders.
Dr Portnova combines psychiatric assessment with a psychotherapeutic approach. She works with evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and third-wave approaches such as ACT, FACT, and CFT. Consultations are focused on clear clinical understanding, practical recommendations, and ongoing support over time.
5.0 (77)
Doctor

Sergey Ilyasov

Psychiatry 7 years exp.

Dr Sergey Ilyasov is an experienced neurologist and qualified psychiatrist who provides online consultations for adults and adolescents. Combining deep neurological expertise with a modern psychiatric approach, he ensures comprehensive diagnostics and effective treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting both physical and mental health.

Dr. Ilyasov helps patients in the following cases:

  • Chronic headaches (migraine, tension-type headache), back pain, neuropathic pain, dizziness, numbness in limbs, coordination disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders (panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder), depression (including atypical and treatment-resistant forms), sleep disturbances (insomnia, hypersomnia, nightmares), stress, burnout.
  • Chronic pain syndromes and psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome related to stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia).
  • Behavioral disorders and concentration difficulties in adolescents (including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders), nervous tics.
  • Memory impairments, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), emotional swings, and support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Thanks to his dual specialization in neurology and psychiatry, Dr Sergey Ilyasov offers integrated and evidence-based care for complex conditions requiring a multidisciplinary approach. His consultations focus on accurate diagnosis, development of an individualized treatment plan (including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic methods), and long-term support adapted to each patient's unique needs.

Book an online consultation with Dr. Sergey Ilyasov to receive qualified assistance and improve your well-being today.

5.0 (137)
Doctor

Taisiia Proida

Psychiatry 7 years exp.

Dr. Taisiia Proida is a psychiatrist and cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT), and a member of the European Psychiatric Association. She offers online consultations for adults aged 18 and over, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to mental health care.

She specialises in consultations and ongoing support for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

  • Mood disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression.
  • Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, phobias.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assessment is provided only after an initial psychiatric evaluation and during a follow-up appointment.
  • Personality disorders and emotional instability.
  • Cyclothymia and mood fluctuations.
  • Schizophrenia spectrum and related conditions.

Dr. Proida combines clinical expertise with an empathetic approach, offering structured support based on evidence-based practices. Her work integrates CBT techniques with medical management, with a focus on anxiety and depressive disorders.

She works with clients from different countries and cultural backgrounds, adapting her communication style and recommendations to individual needs. With experience in international clinical trials (Pfizer, Merck), she values clarity, trust, and collaborative partnership in patient care.

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