Understanding Adult ADHD

What is Adult ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects children and adults. It is typically characterised by difficulties in concentrating, problems with certain behaviours and problems with impulse control. In adults, it is not uncommon for ADHD to cause problems with emotional regulation, sleep problems, and problems with self-esteem. Adult ADHD is estimated to effect around 3-4% of adults in the UK.

We now understand that there are several categories of ADHD. Some people present with predominantly hyperactive presentations, and others with predominantly inattentive presentations. Where both a present, ADHD is deemed a ‘combined type’.

What are the symptoms of adult ADHD?

1. Difficulties in focussing

Adults with ADHD commonly report difficulties in maintaining focus on tasks. They may find it difficult to work if there are distractions and might not be able to keep their attention on a task for very long. Procrastination is a common complaint, and people with ADHD often struggle to engage in work until close to a deadline.

2. Problems with organisation

Adults with ADHD often struggle to stay organised, despite keeping rigorous to-do lists or calendars. They might find they miss engagements, or frequently lose essentials like their phone or keys.

3. Mind-wandering

Adults with ADHD may become distracted by their own thoughts. They often report difficulties in sticking to one task and might notice they struggle to read a book or watch a film through to the end.

4. Listening difficulties

Many adults with ADHD report being told they look dreamy or preoccupied, even when spoken to directly.

5. Restlessness

People with ADHD often report difficulties in sitting still. Adults have often worked to mask some of these symptoms, however they may find they are uncomfortable sitting still for long periods, or that they tend to prefer to have something in their hand to play with.

6. Impulsivity

Adults with ADHD often struggle with being too impulsive. This is commonly seen in conversation, where they might struggle to wait for their turn to speak. People with ADHD often report feeling very frustrated when needing to wait in queues.

7. Emotional difficulties

Adults with ADHD often struggle with mood swings and might find their mood changes quickly throughout the day in response to small things going wrong.

8. Sleep issues

ADHD is associated with a range of sleep difficulties, most commonly a ‘delayed sleep phase’. This means that they do not tend to feel tired until later in the night and tend not to get as much sleep as they would like.

Adults with ADHD have often become very adept at masking their symptoms in certain situations. These masking behaviours usually take a great deal of mental effort and may make a person with ADHD feel mentally exhausted.

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it is a problem formed in the developing brain. The exact cause of ADHD remains unknown; however it appears that a person’s genetics plays a pivotal role. In addition, problems immediately before or after birth are known to contribute.

Lots of adults who were not diagnosed as children have long struggled with their symptoms. Recently, there has been a general increase in the coverage of ADHD in the news and on social media, prompting adults to question whether they may have it.

How is ADHD diagnosed at Cognacity?

ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, which means it is based on a clinical assessment, rather than a blood test or scan. At Cognacity, we carry out our ADHD assessments to the highest standards. Our ADHD assessments are conducted in two parts, usually held on separate days. It is vital that at least one of these parts is conducted face-to-face, as there is a requirement for a brief physical examination.

Part 1 of our assessment process is a general psychiatric assessment with a focus on the core symptoms of ADHD. If there is sufficient evidence of ADHD at the end of this assessment, you will be invited to return for the Part 2 assessment. If it is felt that you are unlikely to meet diagnostic criteria at the end of Part 1, you will not need to complete Part 2. Your clinician will offer an alternate follow-up plan, if relevant.

Part 2 of our assessment process includes completion of the DIVA-5, a gold-standard diagnostic interview for adult ADHD. If you meet diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD, your clinician will talk you through what this means, and what the next steps might be.

What happens if I receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD?

At Cognacity, all our adult ADHD assessments are conducted by psychiatrists with special experience in the diagnosis and management of adult ADHD. This means that if you chose to explore medication as part of your treatment for ADHD, there will be no need to join a waiting list for prescribing. Most uncomplicated cases allow for the start of a medication trial at the end of your Part 2 assessment. We take a neuro-affirmative approach to the management of ADHD, and seek to nurture your strengths as well as address any limitations.

We also offer comprehensive psychiatric follow-up to all adults diagnosed with ADHD. This may include medication titration reviews, psychoeducational sessions or referral to one of our specialist behavioural therapists for the psychotherapeutic management of ADHD.