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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of condition known as a neurodevelopmental condition.

Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD affect the way your brain develops and works, which can impact your behaviour and the way you experience the world around you.

Around one in 20 young people have ADHD. While it is not a mental health condition or a learning disability, some people with ADHD might experience mental health conditions as well.

If you have ADHD your brain might work differently to other people's. It means that the way your brain controls your concentration, activity levels and impulses is a bit different - this is a form of neurodiversity.

For example, you might act without thinking about the consequences or be very easily distracted. However, it's important to remember that people with ADHD can and do live happy and healthy lives.

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Artwork credit: @the_mini_adhd_coach. The artwork depicts a person with a pink bob hairstyle and a peaceful expression. Their head sits on a light blue background. Text placed around the person reads 'it's ok to feel overwhelmed'.

Symptoms tend to start very early in life, before the age of six. Lots of people will get an ADHD diagnosis at this age, but you can be diagnosed at any stage in your life and you might not realise you have ADHD until you're much older.

Symptoms for ADHD can be different for everyone and can depend on your age, sex, gender identity and whether you have any other neurodevelopmental conditions.

ADHD can run in families, but the cause is mostly unknown.

I have ADHD and other people will have it too, so don't think you're alone because you are not. I know it's hard but we can all get through it if we stay strong, be brave and overcome our worries and fears.

How can ADHD affect me?

If you experience any of these symptoms it doesn't mean you definitely have ADHD. But if any of them are affecting your everyday life, you should talk to your GP or a trusted adult for advice.

Symptoms can include:

feeling restless or fidgety (e.g. struggling to sit still in class)

talking a lot and interrupting others

becoming easily distracted or having difficulty concentrating, like finding it hard to watch a film at the cinema

having difficulty making or keeping friends

being forgetful or missing important appointments

feeling very sensitive or overly emotional

saying or doing things without thinking

For a long time, it was thought that women and girls were much less likely to have ADHD than boys and men. This is not true, however women and girls might experience ADHD differently to boys and men.

For example, female-identifying people might be more likely to experience symptoms such as:

struggling to relax or unwind

feeling overwhelmed when making decisions

your mind often drifting when other people are talking

feeling overwhelmed in social situations

For a long time I thought I couldn't have ADHD because I didn't relate to the hyperactivity.

What to do if you think you might have ADHD

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to remember that you don't have to go through it alone and there is help available.

Tell your GP about your symptoms. We know it can be challenging to talk to your GP, but they may be able to support you, refer you to a specialist for an ADHD assessment, or refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) if you need any mental health support before or after your assessment.

To find out if you have ADHD you'll need to talk to an expert, like a specialist child or adult psychiatrist.

They'll ask you some questions and you will fill in some questionnaires about how you're feeling and the symptoms you've experienced - this is called an assessment. They will also ask your permission to speak to your parents and teachers as part of the assessment.

Your family might not be supportive of you being assessed but it's important for you to get the right support for you.

There might be other reasons for your ADHD symptoms such as anxiety or depression. The ADHD specialist will be able to tell you more following your assessment.

Advice on how to manage your ADHD

There are many things you can do to help manage your ADHD. Below are some ideas based on what young people have told us helps them.

It is very comforting and validating to see other people have similar struggles. We talk a lot about the way things are going and give each other tips or help around things.

ADHD and your mental health

ADHD can leave you feeling out of control and overwhelmed.

People might not understand what you're going through and could think you are acting out or being difficult, or criticise and punish you unnecessarily. This can make you feel isolated and depressed, or it can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, especially if you're comparing yourself to your friends who might behave differently to you.

You might also find it hard to sleep, meaning you feel tired, run down and struggle to concentrate. It can help to cut down on caffeine or other stimulants after 4pm as this can also impact your sleeping patterns.

However, having ADHD can also mean that you're really passionate about lots of things. Our brains all work differently and there is no "right way" to be - recognising that is what neurodiversity is all about. If you're struggling with your mental health, these can be positive things to focus on.

It can be really helpful to talk to your friends, family and teachers about how you feel and how they can support you. Let them know what you do and don't find helpful so that they can do their best to help.

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Artwork credit: @authenticallyadhd. The artwork features drawings of stars, moons and planets on a light blue background. One larger planet with arms is giving itself a hug and the text reads: 'don't forget to give yourself the same love you give everyone else'.

Some tips from our Activists that can help with your ADHD symptoms include:

taking time out and finding ways to relax, or taking regular breaks

letting teachers/lecturers know about your ADHD so you can come up with helpful strategies together

registering with the disabilities services at university so you can get the right support in lectures and exams as well as with assignments

regular exercise and eating healthily

making notes or keeping lists to stay on top of things

Tips for managing your mental health if you have ADHD include:

creating a routine for the day

setting clear boundaries in your personal, school or professional life

reflecting on the day and what you achieved - this can be as small as getting to school/work or getting through a lesson

removing yourself from any stressful situations

finding the best ways for you to cope in social situations

looking at local support groups

recognising potential triggers that might make your symptoms worse; these will be unique to each person but could include being over-stimulated

Other common questions people ask about ADHD

ADHD is something that you're born with so you won't 'grow out of it'. However, lots of people do say that their symptoms get a bit better as they get older.

What medicines are used to treat ADHD symptoms?

The below medicines are most frequently prescribed to people with ADHD. These are not a cure, but can help many people to manage some of the symptoms. The medication must be prescribed and checked by a doctor. Click each medication to find out more about what it does and potential side effects.

What support groups are there for people with ADHD?

There are lots of support groups across the UK for children, young people and their families to get help and advice around coping with ADHD. Visit ADHDUK for more information on the groups in your area.

More help and advice

We have information and advice on a range of subjects

Get help now

If you're worried, stressed or struggling to cope you are not alone. Here are some services that can help you.

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ADHD and Mental Health | Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

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What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of condition known as a neurodevelopmental condition. Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD affect the way your brain develops and works, which can impact your behaviour and the way you experience the world around you. Around one in 20 young people have ADHD.

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How to make life easier for yourself living with ADHD and those around you and how to find out more about your condition.

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A series of podcasts for young people who have ADHD covering a range of different topics.

Episode 1 Getting the Right Support
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/adhd-getting-right-support/

Episode 2 Adjusting to Change
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/adhd-adjusting-to-change/

Episode 3 ADHD and Sleep
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/adhd-and-sleep/

Episode 4 Women and ADHD
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/women-and-adhd-part-1/

Episode 5 Women and ADHD: Diagnosis and Management
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/women-and-adhd-part-2/

Episode 6 Managing Impulsive and Risky Behaviour
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/adhd-managing-impulsive-risky-behaviour/

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The teenage girls guide to living well with ADHD 

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The teenage girls guide to living well with ADHD 

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This book by Sonia Ali is aimed at teenage girls with ADHD.

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There are lots of famous people who have ADHD including Olympic gymnast Simone biles and actor Johnny Depp. Click the link for more famous people with ADHD.

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"If you're a young person being called weird or different, I'm here to tell you that your critics do not count. Their words will fade. You will not." Why we love Justin Timberlake, Simone Biles, Adam Levine, and these other inspiring celebrities and famous people with ADHD.

photo by Agência Brasil Fotografias

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Solange at the main stage in the Vigeland Park. The concert was part of Piknik i Parken and took place on 23. June 2017 in Oslo. Lineup: Solange Knowles (vocal). photo by Tore Sætre

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photo by George Skidmore

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ADHD Role Models: Will.I.Am - Never Negativity with ADHD

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The Mix looks into Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD and ADHD), what they are and how they can affect your life.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The main symptoms of the condition include:

Having difficulty concentrating and inattentiveness.

Hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADHD is often referred to as ADD but this is actually a subtype of ADHD which involves trouble focusing but not hyperactivity.

Diagnosis of ADHD

ADHD is normally diagnosed in childhood, there is no medical test for it, it's usually identified based on observations from parents and teachers. Sometimes it can go unnoticed, meaning some young people and adults are diagnosed with it later in life.

Symptoms of ADHD

Children and adults with ADHD experience symptoms such as:

Everyone is like this sometimes, but if you have ADHD these symptoms will have a serious effect on your everyday life, work and relationships.

If you think you have ADHD, tell your GP how you think you've shown these symptoms. They'll ask you how long you have been like this because, technically, you can only be diagnosed with ADHD if you have shown symptoms from childhood.

Treatment for ADHD

ADHD can't be cured, but there is treatment to help you deal with it. Your GP will refer you to a psychiatrist who will recommend medication or talking treatment, or both. Find out more about the various different types of therapy here .

ADHD medications work by helping you concentrate, be less impulsive and feel calmer. They have to be carefully monitored by your doctor though, as there are some side-effects.

Does diet affect ADHD?

Some people find certain foods make their ADHD symptoms worse, like sugar or caffeine. Keep track of what you eat and how it affects your mood. Then chat to your GP about whether you should change your diet.

Having regular exercise is also important for people with ADHD, as it can make you feel more relaxed and focused.

Will my ADHD affect my work or studying?

ADHD can have a big effect on work and study, but it doesn't have to hold you back.

"I excel in subjects I enjoy because I can focus more easily" says Lucy* a 25 year old with ADHD, "but I find it really hard to concentrate in other classes and have to constantly doodle or make notes to stay alert."

Try different things to make work easier:

Tell your boss, teacher or personal tutor about your ADHD so you get the right support, especially when it comes to exams.

Check and double check your work to avoid mistakes.

Stick to a routine.

Set reminders on your phone to help you remember things.

Use to-do lists.

Break work into chunks so that it seems less overwhelming

Work out how long you can concentrate for and take regular breaks before you lose focus.

If someone sends you a message at work, leave it five minutes so that your reply is careful, not impulsive.

Remember everything you've achieved already to stay positive.

When you're choosing a career, think about your strengths and weaknesses. For example, people with ADHD are often creative and willing to take risks, which would make you ideal for lots of jobs.

Will ADHD affect my relationships?

ADHD affects all people and all relationships differently.

If you're forgetful, or find it hard to listen, this can create problems in your romantic relationships. The right person will accept your ADHD and support you. Be honest from the beginning about how your ADHD affects you. And remind your partner that if you offend them it's not personal, often it'll be a result of ADHD.

ADHD can make you more impulsive, so you might have one night stands or jump into relationships. In these situations it's really important you have safe sex. Learn about the different types of contraception here .

You may also blurt out the wrong thing in social situations. Lucy says: "I once said to a teacher her nails reminded me of a prostitute's in a TV show!"

This can be awkward, or it can be hilarious.

It's not all bad though, people with ADHD are often fun to be around and have plenty of friends.

Lucy says: "The main thing with ADHD is that you have to own it, and not let your ADHD own you. Then it will have a positive knock on effect in all areas of your life."

Find out more about learning disabilities and syndromes here .

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Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999 Select your location for up-to-date news and information in your local area My Area Get me out of here Love your body, love yourself, #lovehealth Cookie consent We use cookies to improve your experience on our website.

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ADHD is widely misunderstood. The goal of this video is to educate children between the ages of 6 to 12 on what ADHD is, the various symptoms of the disorder, and how the symptoms can be inhibited. Illustration and animation by Kwadwo Offei. www.motionworx.co.uk

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