People used to believe that ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) only affected children. Now, it's known that adults can have ADHD too, and for many, it's a lifelong condition. Many adults discover they have ADHD long after finishing school. If you recently found out you have ADHD, you're not alone!

ADHD makes it challenging to pay attention and stay focused. Many adults with ADHD struggle to control their impulses or "hold their horses." Other symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty staying motivated to do chores, and trouble organising daily life. ADHD can cause issues at work, at home, and in everyday living. The disorder often runs in families. It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility to seek help to minimise ADHD's impact on your life.

Some people have mild and manageable symptoms, while others experience more severe ones. No two individuals with ADHD are the same.

There isn't a single test to diagnose ADHD. To determine if you have the disorder, a clinical professional will conduct a detailed interview with you and will use various sources of information, including:

• Questionnaires you complete about your current difficulties 
• Input from a spouse/partner or someone close to you.
• Input from a parent or someone who knew you as a child 

There isn't a "magic formula" for knowing when to see a professional, but most adults who are diagnosed with ADHD report the following:

• Difficulty keeping jobs, either due to quitting frequently or being fired often.
• Trouble being on time for appointments or completing tasks.
• Household chores often go unfinished, and bills may go unpaid due to forgetfulness.
• Relationship problems, such as forgetting important dates, failing to keep promises, or getting easily annoyed.
• Frequent feelings of worry and stress due to difficulty meeting goals and responsibilities.
• Strong feelings of frustration, guilt, or low self-esteem.

As with any medical diagnosis, there are guidelines for determining whether you have ADHD. It's not enough to simply have the symptoms; they must be significant enough to cause problems like those listed above. If the symptoms do not interfere with your life, you won't be diagnosed. Additionally, the symptoms must cause issues in at least two areas of your life, such as at work and at home.

Best place to start is with your GP, let them know your concerns and ask for a referral to a professional with expertise in evaluating an adult or ADHD.

Your GP needs to be under the Integrated Care Board for Central North West London, these including the following boroughs:

• Brent
• Ealing
• Hammersmith & Fulham
• Harrow
• Hillingdon
• Hounslow
• Kensington & Chelsea
• Westminster

No preparation is needed. It's natural for many adults to feel nervous or anxious about seeking an evaluation. However, remember that the professional you see has likely encountered many similar cases. They won't judge or criticise you. The more open you are about your problems, the better they can help you. Keep in mind: you didn't cause your ADHD, so there's no reason to feel ashamed.

People with ADHD often encounter a lot of stigma. However, our focus has long been on the problems ADHD causes. It's important to remember that mental health isn't just about the absence of illness or disorder; it's also about recovery, coping, well-being, and thriving. While ADHD means your brain works differently, not all those differences are negative. Broader studies highlight positive ADHD traits such as high energy, creativity, hyper focus, agreeableness, empathy, and a willingness to help others.

Unfortunately, there is no transitional pathway from CAMHS when those who turn 18 years old. You would have to be referred to the Adults ADHD service.