ADHD | Psychology Today United Kingdom

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>ADHD | Psychology Today United Kingdom</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"41094","drupal_node_title":"ADHD","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (previously known as attention deficit disorder or ADD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by core symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is thought to be the most common childhood mental health disorder, with estimates of its prevalence in children ranging from 5 to 11 percent. ADHD in adulthood is thought to be less common, with approximately 2 to 5 percent of adults diagnosed." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd" /> <meta property="og:title" content="ADHD" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (previously known as attention deficit disorder or ADD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by core symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is thought to be the most common childhood mental health disorder, with estimates of its prevalence in children ranging from 5 to 11 percent. ADHD in adulthood is thought to be less common, with approximately 2 to 5 percent of adults diagnosed." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2010-04-14T10:24:31-0400", "dateModified": "2024-09-20T11:31:13-0400", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd", "name": "ADHD", "alternateName": [ "ADHD/ADD", "Attention Deficit Disorder", "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "ADHD" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics", "name": "ADHD", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": "What Is ADHD?", "text": "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (previously known as attention deficit disorder or ADD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by core symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is thought to be the most common childhood mental health disorder, with estimates of its prevalence in children ranging from 5 to 11 percent. ADHD in adulthood is thought to be less common, with approximately 2 to 5 percent of adults diagnosed.\r\n\r\nADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, household tasks, and relationships, and managing the disorder can be a challenge for both children and adults. Fortunately, there are treatments that have been shown to be effective, and anyone affected by ADHD can learn coping skills to work around struggles and harness their talents—as many successful individuals with ADHD have already done.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/autism", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/boredom", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/education", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/environment", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/executive-function", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/neurodiversity", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/parenting", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/psychopharmacology", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/rejection-sensitivity", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adult", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-children", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-teen" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com", "logo": "https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/psychology-today-logo-blue-AMP-left-cropped_0.png", "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/docs/editorial-process" } } ] }</script><link rel="preload" as="image" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/max_800/public/center/2020-06/shutterstock_357736760.jpg?itok=Fnx4NNGu" /> <link rel="preconnect" href="//cdn.psychologytoday.com" crossorigin /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//cdn.psychologytoday.com" /> <link rel="preconnect" href="//cdn2.psychologytoday.com" crossorigin /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//cdn2.psychologytoday.com" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ar/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-AR" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/cl/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-CL" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/es/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-ES" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/mx/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-MX" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/co/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-CO" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gt/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-GT" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/cr/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-CR" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/pa/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-PA" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/pr/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-PR" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/pe/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-PE" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/uy/fundamentos/tdah" hreflang="es-UY" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-AU" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-CA" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-GB" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-IE" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/adhd" hreflang="x-default" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-NZ" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-SG" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-US" /> <link rel="alternate" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/basics/adhd" hreflang="en-ZA" /> <link rel="icon" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/theme-assets/touch-icons/apple-touch-icon.png" /> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd?amp" />  <link rel="preload" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/themes/custom/pt/fonts/proxima-nova/proxima-nova-regular.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/themes/custom/pt/fonts/proxima-nova/proxima-nova-semibold.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/themes/custom/pt/fonts/proxima-nova/proxima-nova-bold.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/css/css_IHNiFVOKIP26dViTFVF3N3-JzWbT8AN07JEN_95kHSg.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/css/css_hqjNdn7FpKz8mKYErQ_ccOHc6DCdD5ZLcHslRj8eyn4.css" />  <link rel="preconnect" href="//securepubads.g.doubleclick.net" crossorigin /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//securepubads.g.doubleclick.net" /> <link rel="preload" as="script" href="https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js" /> <link rel="preconnect" href="//www.googletagmanager.com" crossorigin /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//www.googletagmanager.com" /> <link rel="preload" as="script" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=GTM-NW5PKS" /> <link rel="preload" as="script" href="https://resources.psychologytoday.com/directory/search-components/v1.0.14/search-suggestions.min.js" />   <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//www.google-analytics.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//www.google.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//fonts.googleapis.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//fonts.gstatic.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//tpc.googlesyndication.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//page2.googlesyndication.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//cdn.ampproject.org" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//consent.cookiebot.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//consentcdn.cookiebot.com" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="//sb.scorecard.research.com" />  <script> dataLayer = dataLayer || []; </script>   <script> var _comscore = _comscore || []; _comscore.push({ c1: "2", c2: "38584006" }); (function() { var s = document.createElement("script"), el = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.async = true; s.src = "https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/cs/38584006/beacon.js"; el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el); })(); </script> <noscript> <img src=https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.6.0&cj=1> </noscript>  </head> <body class="language-en not-logged-in not-front node--reference">  <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-NW5PKS" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){ if (typeof w[l] == 'undefined') { w[l] = [] }; w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.defer=true;j.src= '//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;j.addEventListener('load', function() { var _ge = new CustomEvent('gtm_loaded', { bubbles: true }); d.dispatchEvent(_ge); });f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-NW5PKS'); </script>  <div class="backdrop-screen"></div> <a href="#block-pt-content" class="visually-hidden focusable" rel="nofollow"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <header class="header"> <div> <div id="block-mainnavbarblock" class="block"> <div class="main-nav-wrapper"> <div class="container"> <button id="enabled-mobile-nav-control" class="mobile-nav-control" data-target="#navbarNavDropdown"><span class="visually-hidden">Mobile Navigation</span></button> <nav class="main-nav" role="navigation"> <div class="h1 main-nav--logo logo logo-en"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb">Psychology Today</a></div> <ul class="main-nav--toggles list-style-none d-none d-lg-flex"> <li class="main-nav--toggle"> <a href="#" class="main-nav--toggle-link">Find Counselling</a> <div class="main-nav--panel d-none"> <div class="container"> <div class="navigation--therapist-directory"> <div class="navigation--therapist-directory__search"> <div class="h1"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling">Find Counselling</a></div> <div class="navigation--therapist-directory__search-form"> <form action="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling" method="GET" target="_top" autocomplete="off" autocorrect="off" autocapitalize="off" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" data-event-label="TopB" id="td_search_form"> <div class="container-fat__callout_form" data-search-suggest="sussex" data-placeholder="City or Postcode" data-section-icons="false" data-mobile-fullscreen="true" data-size="large" data-menu="true" data-menu-items="[{"label":"Counsellors","suggestionsUrl":"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/search\/suggestions?query={query}&context=therapists&country-code=gb","searchUrl":"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/gb\/counselling?search={query}","title":""},{"label":"Support Groups","suggestionsUrl":"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/search\/suggestions?query={query}&context=groups&country-code=gb","searchUrl":"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/gb\/groups?search={query}","title":""}]" data-input-aria-label="Search input text" data-button-aria-label="Search button"> <button type="submit" value="Search" title="" class="search-btn default large d-none" aria-label="Search button"></button> <div class="search td-search d-flex"> <div class="menu large d-none d-sm-inline-block"> <div> <button class="td-search--menu-button large">Counsellors</button> </div> <ul class="td-search--menu list-style-none"> <li class="selected"> <a href="#" data-selector-option-text="Counsellors" data-selector-option-value="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling" title="">Counsellors</a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-selector-option-text="Support Groups" data-selector-option-value="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/groups" title="">Support Groups</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="large search-suggest-modal has-menu td-search--input"> <div class="close-suggestions d-none"><button>x</button></div> <div class="search-field-container search-suggest-modal large"> <input type="text" id="searchField" class="large search-suggest-modal has-menu" name="search" placeholder="City or Postcode" size="25" aria-label="Search input text"> <button type="submit" value="Search" title="" class="search-btn default large d-none" aria-label="Search button"></button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> <div class="navigation--therapist-directory__existing"> <div class="flag-icon"><img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/flags/flag-lg-gb.svg" alt="United Kingdom" /><strong> Counsellors :</strong> <a href="https://member.psychologytoday.com/gb/login" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" data-event-label="PT_TopNav_TherapistLogIn">Login</a> <span class="expert-spacer d-inline-block">|</span> <a href="https://join.psychologytoday.com/gb/signup" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" data-event-label="PT_TopNav_SignupN">Sign Up</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="navigation--therapist-directory__cities"> <div class="h3">United Kingdom</div> <ul class="list-style-none"> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/nir/belfast" title="Find Child Counselling in Belfast" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Belfast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/birmingham" title="Find Child Counselling in Birmingham" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Birmingham</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/bristol" title="Find Child Counselling in Bristol" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Bristol</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/wls/cardiff" title="Find Child Counselling in Cardiff" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Cardiff</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/coventry" title="Find Child Counselling in Coventry" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Coventry</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/sct/edinburgh" title="Find Child Counselling in Edinburgh" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Edinburgh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/leeds" title="Find Child Counselling in Leeds" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Leeds</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/leicester" title="Find Child Counselling in Leicester" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Leicester</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/liverpool" title="Find Child Counselling in Liverpool" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Liverpool</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london" title="Find Child Counselling in London" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/manchester" title="Find Child Counselling in Manchester" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Manchester</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/sheffield" title="Find Child Counselling in Sheffield" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Sheffield</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/exeter" title="Find Child Counselling in Exeter" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Exeter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/bournemouth" title="Find Child Counselling in Bournemouth" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Bournemouth</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="main-nav--toggle"> <a href="#" class="main-nav--toggle-link">Get Help</a> <div class="main-nav--panel d-none"> <div class="container"> <div class="d-grid main-nav--basics"> <div class="main-nav--basics--column-1 d-grid"> <div class="main-nav--basics--column-first"> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-mental-health"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Mental Health</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/addiction" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/50109">Addiction</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/anxiety" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41827">Anxiety</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/adhd" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41094" class="is-active">ADHD</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/aspergers-syndrome" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41798">Asperger's</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/autism" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/40997">Autism</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/bipolar-disorder" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41105">Bipolar Disorder</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/chronic-pain" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53685">Chronic Pain</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/depression" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/40725">Depression</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/eating-disorders" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41459">Eating Disorders</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="main-nav--basics--column-second"> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-personality"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Personality</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/passive-aggression" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53837">Passive Aggression</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/personality" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53843">Personality</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/shyness" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53941">Shyness</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-personal-growth"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Personal Growth</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/motivation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53823">Goal Setting</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/happiness" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53757">Happiness</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/positive-psychology" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53862">Positive Psychology</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/smoking" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53954">Stopping Smoking</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="main-nav--basics--column-third"> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-relationships"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Relationships</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/low-sexual-desire" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/69085">Low Sexual Desire</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/relationships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53894">Relationships</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/sex" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53931">Sex</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-family-life"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Family Life</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/child-development" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53683">Child Development</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/parenting" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53833">Parenting</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="h3"><a href="/gb/basics" class="right-chevron-after">View Help Index</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="main-nav--basics main-nav--basics--column-2"> <div class="main-nav--basics--column-fourth"> <div id="block-gethelpindexlinksblock" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Do I Need Help?</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/tests" title="Self Tests" hreflang="en-gb"> Self Tests <div class="result-tag">NEW</div> </a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/basics/therapy" title="Therapy Center" hreflang="en-gb">Therapy Center</a> </li> </ul> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Recently Diagnosed?</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/conditions" title="Diagnosis Dictionary" hreflang="en-gb"> Diagnosis Dictionary </a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/types-of-therapy" title="Types of Therapy" hreflang="en-gb"> Types of Therapy </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="block-countrymenufindlinksblock" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Talk to Someone</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling" title="Find Counselling">Find Counselling</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/groups" title="Find a Support Group">Find a Support Group</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=online-counselling" title="Find Online Therapy">Find Online Therapy</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="main-nav--toggle"> <a href="#" class="main-nav--toggle-link">Magazine</a> <div class="main-nav--panel d-none"> <div class="container"> <div class="main-nav--magazine d-grid"> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-magazine-block-1"> <div><div class="js-view-dom-id-2f9476c0e0ff7fe7a431ac613697024a7a0f2c41e1eb8fdd815df6d2465c43a7"> <div class="h3 main-nav--section-title">Current</div> <div> <div class="magazine-issue magazine-cover-feature"> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/11" title="November 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" width="384" height="504" alt="November 2024 magazine cover" title="Ditch Perfection & Rebalance Your Life" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__text"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/11" title="November 2024"> <div class="h3 magazine-cover-feature__date"> November 2024 </div> <div class="h3 magazine-cover-feature__headline"> The Perfectionism Trap </div> </a> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__highlight"><p> When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires. </p></div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="https://subscribe.psychologytoday.com" class="btn btn-info btn-md-cta" title="Subscribe to Psychology Today Magazine">Subscribe</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-magazine-block-2"> <div> <div class="js-view-dom-id-d8b3dafb8afbe4a1c45b4839acbd7a2e7d1c9fcaec6ec4103b18c561419639a8"> <div class="h3 main-nav--section-title">Recent</div> <div class="magazine-row"> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/09" title="September 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-08/2024-09.png.jpg?itok=f_Oawcrq" width="384" height="504" alt="September 2024 magazine cover" title="Diagnosed in Adulthood" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/07" title="July 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-06/2024-07.png.jpg?itok=pCeLoQbs" width="384" height="504" alt="July 2024 magazine cover" title="Stand Up For Yourself" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/05" title="May 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-04/2024-05.png.jpg?itok=3uPTD2oA" width="384" height="504" alt="May 2024 magazine cover" title="Everyday Triggers" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/03" title="March 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-02/2024-03.png.jpg?itok=UyoZyp1R" width="384" height="504" alt="March 2024 magazine cover" title="Emotional Intelligence" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive" class="btn btn-secondary btn-md-cta" title="Psychology Today Issue Archive">Issue Archive</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="main-nav--toggle"> <a href="#" class="main-nav--toggle-link">Today</a> <div class="main-nav--panel d-none"> <div class="container"> <div class="main-nav--today d-grid"> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-news-today-menu-block-1"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">News</div> <div class="news-today-menu-block-1-content"></div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-menu-blog-entry-essentials-block-1"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Essential Reads</div> <div class="menu-blog-entry-essentials-block-1-content"></div> </div> <div id="block-menutrendingtopics" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Trending Topics in UK</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/emotional-intelligence" hreflang="en-gb" title="Emotional Intelligence">Emotional Intelligence</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/narcissism" hreflang="en-gb" title="Narcissism">Narcissism</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/gaslighting" hreflang="en-gb" title="Gaslighting">Gaslighting</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/bias" hreflang="en-gb" title="Bias">Bias</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/affective-forecasting" hreflang="en-gb" title="Affective Forecasting">Affective Forecasting</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/neuroscience" hreflang="en-gb" title="Neuroscience">Neuroscience</a> </li> </ul> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title main-nav--basics-index-link"><a href="/gb/basics" class="right-chevron-after">See All</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> <div class="main-nav--location-switch location-switch"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/counsellors?domain=content&cc=gb&cl=en" class="location-switch--link">gb</a> </div> <div class="main-nav--toggle main-nav--toggle--search"> <a href="#" class="main-nav--toggle-link">Search</a> <div class="main-nav--panel d-none"> <div class="container"> <div class="main-nav--search"> <div id="block-navsearchblock" class="block"> <div class="h1 main-nav--search-block-form__header">Search</div> <form class="form--search-block-form" action="/gb/archive" method="get" id="search-block-form" accept-charset="UTF-8"> <div> <div class="search form-group"> <div class="form-item form-type-textfield form-item-search-block-form"> <label for="edit-search-block-form--2">Search</label> <input title="Enter the terms you wish to search for." placeholder="Search Archives" type="text" id="edit-search-block-form--2" name="search" value="" size="15" maxlength="128" class="form-text main-nav--search-block-form__input" /> </div> <div class="form-actions form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"> <div class="btn-text icon search"></div> <input class="main-nav--search-block-form__submit btn-info btn btn-default form-submit" type="submit" id="edit-submit" name="op" value="Search" /> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <div class="find-therapist-subheader-block block" id="block-findtherapistsubheaderblock-2"> <div class="td_fat_subheader"> <div class="container"> <div class="td_fat_subheader__content"> <form name="prof_search" method="POST" action="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling" id="SubHeader_TherpistForm" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" data-event-label="PT_BalTopB_find" class="td_fat_subheader_form fat__callout_form find-therapist--form"> <div class="container-fat__callout_form" data-search-suggest="sussex" data-placeholder="Find Counselling (City or Postcode)" data-seamless="true" data-button="text" data-suggestions-url="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/search/suggestions?query={query}&country-code=gb" data-search-url="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?search={query}" data-input-aria-label="Search input text" data-button-aria-label="Search button"> <div class="td_fat_subheader__magnifying-glass"></div> <input class="td_fat_subheader__search" type="text" name="search" placeholder="Find Counselling (City or Postcode)" aria-label="Search input text"> <button type="submit" name="Submit" value="Search" title="" class="td_fat_subheader_submit" aria-label="Search button"></button> <div class="td_fat_subheader__underline"></div> </div> </form> <div class="td_fat_subheader__verified"> <p><img width="18" height="18" loading="lazy" alt="" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/icons/icon-check-circle-gray.svg"/> Verified by <span class="font-weight-semi-bold">Psychology Today</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="outer-layout-container"> <main class="layout-content layout-container" > <div class="layout-content-full"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <div class="layout-container--grid layout-container--primary-left-rail"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="41094" role="article" class="center--basic--full center-page"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">What Is ADHD?</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/gb/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at Attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Attention</a>-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (previously known as attention deficit disorder or ADD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by core symptoms of inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is thought to be the most common <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development" title="Psychology Today looks at childhood" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">childhood</a> mental health disorder, with estimates of its prevalence in children ranging from 5 to 11 percent. ADHD in adulthood is thought to be less common, with approximately 2 to 5 percent of adults diagnosed.</p> <p>ADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, household tasks, and relationships, and managing the disorder can be a challenge for both children and adults. Fortunately, there are treatments that have been shown to be effective, and anyone affected by ADHD can learn coping skills to work around struggles and harness their talents—as many successful individuals with ADHD have already done.</p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">On This Page</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#what-does-adhd-look-like"> What does ADHD look like? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#is-adhd-real"> Is ADHD real? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#what-causes-adhd"> What causes ADHD? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#how-is-adhd-treated"> How is ADHD treated? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#is-adhd-genetic"> Is ADHD genetic? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#is-adhd-a-disease-of-modernity"> Is ADHD a disease of modernity? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#is-adhd-a-disability"> Is ADHD a disability? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#is-adhd-a-learning-disability"> Is ADHD a learning disability? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#i-feel-fidgety-all-the-time-do-i-have-adhd"> I feel fidgety all the time. Do I have ADHD? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#how-can-i-best-help-my-child-manage-his-adhd"> How can I best help my child manage his ADHD? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#is-adhd-good-or-bad-for-romantic-relationships"> Is ADHD good or bad for romantic relationships? </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="what-does-adhd-look-like" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> What does ADHD look like? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_365052470.jpg?itok=vEdQd70L" width="180" height="180" alt="pathdoc/shutterstock" title="pathdoc/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Some children and adults with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate on tasks at school or work and may daydream frequently. Children with ADHD may become disruptive, defiant, or have trouble getting along with parents, peers, or teachers. Children who struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity, in particular, often have behavioral challenges that can be difficult for adults to manage. </p> <p>Adults, on the other hand, may be more likely to report feeling restless or fidgety; if they struggle with impulsivity, they may make rash decisions that adversely affect their life. For both children and adults, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/executive-function" title="Psychology Today looks at executive functioning" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">executive functioning</a> (planning, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/emotion-regulation" title="Psychology Today looks at emotional regulation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">emotional regulation</a>, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/decision-making" title="Psychology Today looks at decision-making" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">decision-making</a>) is often affected as well. Many children and adults display either hyperactive or inattentive symptoms of ADHD, but it’s also possible for both sets of symptoms to exist together, in what is typically called combined type ADHD.</p> <p>For more on symptoms, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-symptoms-and-diagnosis">ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="is-adhd-real" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> Is ADHD real? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_596186087%20%281%29.jpg?itok=MmCMVJpJ" width="180" height="180" alt="imtmphoto/shutterstock" title="imtmphoto/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Most psychiatrists and psychologists agree that ADHD is real. It runs in families (suggesting genetic roots) and neurological evidence has found it to be associated with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/abcs-child-psychiatry/201805/adhd-is-real-brain-differences-in-preschool-age-children">alterations in brain growth and development</a>. ADHD is also clearly linked to academic, work, and relationship problems—and responds to treatment—<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/helping-kids-through-adhd/201912/the-biggest-myths-about-adhd">suggesting that it has clinical validity</a>. But whether the disorder is overdiagnosed and overtreated—or whether it reflects a set of evolved traits that have become less adaptive in today’s world—is widely debated.</p> <p>For more on the biology of ADHD, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/causes-adhd">Causes and Risk Factors in ADHD.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="what-causes-adhd" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> What causes ADHD? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_1231591498.jpg?itok=XheEAyiv" width="180" height="180" alt="fizkes/shutterstock" title="fizkes/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Like many other mental health disorders, the causes of ADHD remain under investigation. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/genetics" title="Psychology Today looks at Genes" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Genes</a> are theorized to play a key role, as are environmental influences such as exposure to toxins in the womb and early <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/trauma" title="Psychology Today looks at traumatic" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">traumatic</a> experiences. Since ADHD is a behavioral disorder, expectations of appropriate behavior, particularly in children, likely influence diagnoses in some cases.</p> <p>For more on the causes of ADHD, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/causes-adhd">Causes and Risk Factors in ADHD</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="how-is-adhd-treated" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> How is ADHD treated? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_302055989.jpg?itok=7iEMuQFX" width="180" height="180" alt="andrey_popov/shutterstock" title="andrey_popov/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Experts have debated whether treatment for ADHD should be primarily behavioral (<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/therapy" title="Psychology Today looks at therapy" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">therapy</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">attention</a> training, increased play, greater structure) or pharmacological. Several large studies have concluded that a combination of both may be most effective.</p> <p>For more on treatment options, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/treatment-adhd">Treatment of ADHD</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="is-adhd-genetic" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> Is ADHD genetic? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_404791942.jpg?itok=Ef2dKBAa" width="180" height="180" alt="one photo/shutterstock" title="one photo/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Significant evidence suggests that ADHD has both genetic and environmental underpinnings. Twin studies, for instance, have found that <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/abcs-child-psychiatry/201503/is-adhd-genetically-influenced-yes">identical twins are significantly more likely than fraternal twins</a> to both be diagnosed with ADHD or display ADHD-like behaviors. There is no single gene that is considered “responsible” for ADHD; rather, like many <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/psychiatry" title="Psychology Today looks at psychiatric" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">psychiatric</a> conditions, it is thought to be linked to many genetic variants, only some of which have been uncovered.</p> <p>For more on genes and other factors that may lead to ADHD, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/causes-adhd">Causes and Risk Factors in ADHD.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="is-adhd-a-disease-of-modernity" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> Is ADHD a disease of modernity? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_515621095.jpg?itok=KuIUyZdy" width="180" height="180" alt="pathdoc/shutterstock" title="pathdoc/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Some experts argue that what we call ADHD is actually a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-tangled-wing/201009/is-adhd-disease-civilization">“disease of civilization”</a>—that is, a disorder that arises because of a mismatch between humans’ evolutionary roots and our modern environment. High energy levels, for instance, may have been adaptive for a hunter-gatherer but are problematic in a modern classroom. Some prominent <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/child-development" title="Psychology Today looks at child development" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">child development</a> experts have noted that the recent rise in ADHD diagnoses has coincided with an increased focus (particularly in American schools) on rigorous standardized testing and reduced playtime—suggesting that at least some children diagnosed with ADHD have been placed in environments that worsen the evolutionary mismatch.</p> <p>For more on living with ADHD in the modern world, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/daily-management-adhd">Daily Management of ADHD.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="is-adhd-a-disability" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> Is ADHD a disability? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_653932789.jpg?itok=j0dqmjGb" width="180" height="180" alt="pathdoc/shutterstock" title="pathdoc/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>It depends. Under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/education" title="Psychology Today looks at Education" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Education</a> Act (IDEA), ADHD can be legally considered a disability in some cases. But a diagnosis alone isn’t enough to qualify for protection under the law. In addition to a formal diagnosis, the individual (and/or their parent, if in an academic setting) must also establish that <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/child-development-central/201802/legal-rights-students-adhd">symptoms substantially limit functioning</a>. If such limitations can be adequately documented, reasonable accommodations must be provided by the employer or the school (if it is public). </p> <p>For more on accommodations, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-school">ADHD at School</a> or <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-work">ADHD in the Workplace.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="is-adhd-a-learning-disability" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> Is ADHD a learning disability? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_1335276335.jpg?itok=41KKmQ9a" width="180" height="180" alt="sam wordley/shutterstock" title="sam wordley/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Though ADHD can and often does cause academic challenges, it is not considered a specific learning disability (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia). However, many children with ADHD—anywhere from 30 to 50 percent, according to some estimates—have a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/comorbidity" title="Psychology Today looks at comorbid" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">comorbid</a> learning disability. The conditions can also display similar external symptoms, particularly in children.</p> <p>For more on distinguishing ADHD from learning disabilities and other disorders, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-and-comorbid-conditions">ADHD and Related Conditions.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="i-feel-fidgety-all-the-time-do-i-have-adhd" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> I feel fidgety all the time. Do I have ADHD? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-09/shutterstock_1009716073.jpg?itok=uHxFFTV2" width="180" height="180" alt="artie medvedev/shutterstock" title="artie medvedev/shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>While fidgetiness is certainly an aspect of ADHD, the condition is more complex than physical restlessness. If, in addition to constant fidgetiness, you experience strong feelings of distractibility that persist in multiple settings, often behave impulsively, talk excessively, struggle to follow through on tasks or manage your time, and/or make careless mistakes on important projects, you may show symptoms of ADHD. Requesting an evaluation from a healthcare provider is the first step to receiving a diagnosis and initiating treatment.</p> <p>For more about symptoms and diagnosis, see <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-symptoms-and-diagnosis">ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="how-can-i-best-help-my-child-manage-his-adhd" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How can I best help my child manage his ADHD? </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_102463487.jpg?itok=Q6M8O7nZ" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="Nolte Lourens/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>All children benefit from love, structure, and consistency; children with ADHD need all three in droves. Since ADHD symptoms and their resulting academic and social challenges can be damaging to a child’s <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/self-esteem" title="Psychology Today looks at self-esteem" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">self-esteem</a>, parents should take steps to find a treatment that works, help the child identify his strengths, and advocate for his needs as he learns to navigate the world on his own. Parents should also help the child set up routines, identify academic strategies that address her specific needs, and learn the social skills necessary in order to form lasting friendships. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more about raising a happy and healthy ADHD child, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/parenting-adhd-child">Parenting a Child with ADHD</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="is-adhd-good-or-bad-for-romantic-relationships" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> Is ADHD good or bad for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/relationships" title="Psychology Today looks at romantic relationships" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">romantic relationships</a>? </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-12/shutterstock_1657620238.jpg?itok=lonwX9a4" width="180" height="180" alt="" title="gpointstudio/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>There is no single way that ADHD affects romantic relationships, and the condition often comes with both positives and negatives. Many couples, for instance, find that one partner’s ADHD (or both, in some cases) enhances the relationship by making it more spontaneous or sexually fulfilling. Others, however, find that symptoms of distraction, disorganization, or impulsivity can lead to frustrating miscommunications between partners or trigger arguments. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Both partners—regardless of their own ADHD status—should be honest about any challenges that ADHD brings to the relationship, while also making an effort to appreciate its upsides whenever possible. Having compassion toward one’s partner is critical for making any ADHD relationship work. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more on love and ADHD, see </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-and-relationships">ADHD and Relationships</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div class="h2 section-title"></div> <div class="section__body"> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-adult">For more on causes, symptoms, and treatments of ADHD, see our Diagnosis Dictionary.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="center--next_page_link d-flex"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/causes-of-adhd" title="Causes and Risk Factors in ADHD">Next: Causes and Risk Factors in ADHD</a> <div class="center--next_page_arrow"></div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-bbefdf342cc320d3c9e468d87f9bbaa96cf9037faa3e5798e74f09082a7b30ab"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027067"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/empowered-with-adhd/202411/understanding-adhd-burnout-symptoms-causes-and-management"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-punttim-52608.jpg?itok=qVqcAa1Z" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Tim Gouw / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/empowered-with-adhd/202411/understanding-adhd-burnout-symptoms-causes-and-management" title="Understanding ADHD Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, and Management"> Understanding ADHD Burnout: Symptoms, Causes, and Management </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Discover the signs of ADHD burnout, why it happens, and practical steps to manage it for better energy, focus, and well-being. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5026687"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/rethinking-adult-adhd/202411/i-have-adult-adhd-my-wife-suffers-from-it"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-keira-burton-6147245.jpg?itok=NAllfKNr" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Keira Burton/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/rethinking-adult-adhd/202411/i-have-adult-adhd-my-wife-suffers-from-it" title="“I Have Adult ADHD. My Wife Suffers From It.”"> “I Have Adult ADHD. My Wife Suffers From It.” </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> We know that adult ADHD has significant effects on adults with the diagnosis. New research examines its effects on spouses and relationship partners without ADHD. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5026330"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/promoting-empathy-with-your-teen/202410/supporting-kids-with-adhd-reducing-perfectionism-with"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/AdobeStock_844561841.jpeg.jpg?itok=jy0XZB0o" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="By DK_2020" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/promoting-empathy-with-your-teen/202410/supporting-kids-with-adhd-reducing-perfectionism-with" title="Supporting Kids With ADHD: Reducing Perfectionism With Care"> Supporting Kids With ADHD: Reducing Perfectionism With Care </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Supportive parenting helps children with ADHD by reducing perfectionism, easing anxiety, and building resilience. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5025894"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/revolutionizing-addiction-recovery/202410/substance-use-prevention-in-teens-with-adhd"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-10/iStock-1648375451.jpg?h=bce89869&itok=5C22HmSM" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Rudzhan Nagiev/iStock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/revolutionizing-addiction-recovery/202410/substance-use-prevention-in-teens-with-adhd" title="Substance Use Prevention in Teens With ADHD"> Substance Use Prevention in Teens With ADHD </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> ADHD teens face higher substance use risks. Learn vital strategies to empower your teen, from boosting life skills to creating a supportive environment. Prevention starts here. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="h2 page-section-header page-section-header--with-divider">Recent Posts</div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-f53fbb9b260c004120e37ed7bfd9a2d8779d35414ed3324022ffbf7595b7af6f layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027477"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202411/identifying-amplifying-and-using-strengths"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-enginakyurt-2174625.jpg?itok=m29HvRNC" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Engin Akyurt/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/atypical-children-extraordinary-parenting/202411/identifying-amplifying-and-using-strengths" rel="bookmark">Identifying, Amplifying, and Using Strengths and Resources </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Solution-focused therapists focus on identifying and utilizing clients' strengths, resources, and exceptions. Solution-focused therapies fit well with neuroaffirmative approaches. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Solution-focused therapists focus on identifying and utilizing clients' strengths, resources, and exceptions. Solution-focused therapies fit well with neuroaffirmative approaches. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027463"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/1-2-3-adhd/202411/are-you-hosting-thanksgiving-with-adhd"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5591174_0.jpg?itok=V6ES4nc1" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/1-2-3-adhd/202411/are-you-hosting-thanksgiving-with-adhd" rel="bookmark">10 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving With ADHD</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Do you have ADHD and are you planning on hosting Thanksgiving? It may be a challenge, but following some simple rules can make it easier. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Do you have ADHD and are you planning on hosting Thanksgiving? It may be a challenge, but following some simple rules can make it easier. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027404"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/living-neurodivergence/202411/juggling-creativity-productivity-and-neurodiversity"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Pexels%20via%20Pixabay.jpg?itok=_IrctRT5" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Pexels / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/living-neurodivergence/202411/juggling-creativity-productivity-and-neurodiversity" rel="bookmark">Juggling Creativity, Productivity, and Neurodiversity</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Personal Perspective: Balancing the personal and professional as a neurodivergent creative person. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Personal Perspective: Balancing the personal and professional as a neurodivergent creative person. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027309"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/empowerment-is-real/202411/common-signs-that-adhd-is-impacting-your-emotions"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/milada-vigerova-kT0tsYZ2YE0-unsplash.jpg?itok=FVqvE4fF" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Milada Vigerova / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/empowerment-is-real/202411/common-signs-that-adhd-is-impacting-your-emotions" rel="bookmark">Common Signs That ADHD Is Impacting Your Emotions </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Understanding the emotional challenges of ADHD helps individuals to identify their symptoms better and seek effective support. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Understanding the emotional challenges of ADHD helps individuals to identify their symptoms better and seek effective support. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027328"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/on-your-way-with-adhd/202411/5-quick-tips-to-reduce-anxiety-with-adhd"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-11/iStock-1511326622.jpg?itok=3dV8q8p0" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="People Images - Yuri A / Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/on-your-way-with-adhd/202411/5-quick-tips-to-reduce-anxiety-with-adhd" rel="bookmark">5 Quick Tips to Reduce Anxiety With ADHD</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> If you are somebody who lives with ADHD and anxiety, then you understand the persistent and often self-defeating cycle of catastrophizing, what-ifs, and negative self-talk. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> If you are somebody who lives with ADHD and anxiety, then you understand the persistent and often self-defeating cycle of catastrophizing, what-ifs, and negative self-talk. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027105"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/changing-the-narrative-on-adhd/202411/sustainable-success-for-adhd-adults-strategies-that-work"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/DALL%C2%B7E%202024-11-15%2009.41.08..png.jpg?itok=khnWCrVK" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Image created using DALL·E by OpenAI" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/changing-the-narrative-on-adhd/202411/sustainable-success-for-adhd-adults-strategies-that-work" rel="bookmark">Sustainable Success for ADHD Adults: Strategies That Work</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Learn how to redefine success and thrive with ADHD by aligning your goals, leveraging strengths, and prioritizing well-being. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Learn how to redefine success and thrive with ADHD by aligning your goals, leveraging strengths, and prioritizing well-being. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027007"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/inner-source/202411/screen-time-and-mental-health-in-kids"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/kids%20and%20screens%20.png.jpg?itok=yewoMjTq" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="pexels royalty free detail, modified by peter bongiorno" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/inner-source/202411/screen-time-and-mental-health-in-kids" rel="bookmark">Screen Time and Mental Health in Kids </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Does screen time really affect mood in kids? A team from San Francisco took a look at this question and came up with a clear answer. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Does screen time really affect mood in kids? A team from San Francisco took a look at this question and came up with a clear answer. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026694"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/special-matters/202411/empowering-children-through-essential-life-skills"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-11/hw.jpeg.jpg?itok=qyrCdsXr" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="On Pexels by Tima Miroschnichenko" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/special-matters/202411/empowering-children-through-essential-life-skills" rel="bookmark">Empowering Children Through Essential Life Skills</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Unlocking a child's success. What is executive function and why does it matter? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Unlocking a child's success. What is executive function and why does it matter? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026658"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/changing-the-narrative-on-adhd/202411/how-undiagnosed-sleep-apnea-can-impact-adhd-and-energy"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-11/volkan-olmez-wESKMSgZJDo-unsplash.jpg?itok=VJPE9AJO" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Volkan Olmez / Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/changing-the-narrative-on-adhd/202411/how-undiagnosed-sleep-apnea-can-impact-adhd-and-energy" rel="bookmark">How Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Can Impact ADHD and Energy Levels</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> If you're dealing with ADHD and fatigue, the answer might be in your sleep. Many people unknowingly suffer from sleep apnea, which can amplify ADHD symptoms and drain energy. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> If you're dealing with ADHD and fatigue, the answer might be in your sleep. Many people unknowingly suffer from sleep apnea, which can amplify ADHD symptoms and drain energy. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5026649"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/living-neurodivergence/202411/gentle-parenting-helps-neurodivergent-kids"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Juncala%20via%20Pixabay.jpg?itok=51m1yGRr" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Juncala / Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/living-neurodivergence/202411/gentle-parenting-helps-neurodivergent-kids" rel="bookmark">"Gentle Parenting" Helps Neurodivergent Kids</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> A Personal Perspective: Gentle parenting often gets a bad rap as too permissive. But it can really help neurodivergent kids. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> A Personal Perspective: Gentle parenting often gets a bad rap as too permissive. But it can really help neurodivergent kids. </p> </article> </div> <nav role="navigation" aria-label="Pagination"> <ul class="js-pager__items pagination"> <li class="page-item active"> <span class="page-link">1</span> </li> <li class="page-item"> <a class="page-link" href="/gb/basics/adhd?page=2" title="Go to next page" rel="next"> 2 </a> </li> <li class="page-item"> <a class="page-link next" href="/gb/basics/adhd?page=2" title="Go to next page" rel="next"> <span>Next</span> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <aside class="layout-content-left-rail--first" role="complementary"> <div> <div id="block-navigationblock" class="block"> <div class="center--navigation block-border"> <div class="center--navigation--header"> <article data-history-node-id="5000120" role="article"> <div class="h3 center--navigation--title">ADHD Center</div> <div class="center--navigation--image"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/max_800/public/center/2020-06/shutterstock_357736760.jpg?itok=Fnx4NNGu" width="800" height="534" alt="Madre e hijo jugando en el jardín, abrazándose y sonriendo" title="PICADORPICTURES/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </div> </article> </div> <ul class="center--navigation--links"> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd" class="active" hreflang="en">What Is ADHD?</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/causes-of-adhd" hreflang="en">Causes and Risk Factors in ADHD</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-symptoms-and-diagnosis" hreflang="en">ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/treatment-of-adhd" hreflang="en">Treatment of ADHD</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-and-comorbid-conditions" hreflang="en">ADHD and Related Conditions</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-and-relationships" hreflang="en">ADHD and Relationships</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-at-work" hreflang="en">ADHD in the Workplace</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/adhd-at-school" hreflang="en">ADHD at School</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/parenting-adhd-child" hreflang="en">Parenting a Child with ADHD</a> </li> <li class="center--navigation--link"> <a href="/gb/basics/adhd/daily-management-of-adhd" hreflang="en">Daily Management of ADHD </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </aside> <aside class="layout-content-left-rail--second" role="complementary"> <div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-none d-lg-block d-xl-block block" id="block-adblock"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1391201642419-0" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1391201642419-0'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div id="block-resourcesblock-2" class="block"> <article data-history-node-id="41094" role="article" class="resources block-border"> <div class="resources--header"> <div class="h2 resources--title"> ADHD Resources </div> </div> <div class="resources--section resources--section--get-help"> <div class="h3"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=adhd" title=""> Get Help </a> </div> <p class="resources--cta">Find counselling to overcome ADHD</p> <div class="country country--resources-search"> <form action="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=adhd" method="GET" class="find-therapist--resources-form" target="_top"> <div class="container-fat__callout_form" data-search-suggest="sussex" data-placeholder="City or Postcode" data-size="medium" data-section-icons="false" data-mobile-fullscreen="true" data-suggestions-url="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/search/suggestions?query={query}&attributes[0]=6&country-code=gb" data-search-url="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=adhd&search={query}" data-input-aria-label="Search input text" data-button-aria-label="Search button"> <div class="search td-search d-flex"> <div class="td-search--input"> <div class="search-field-container"> <label for="find_therapist_search" class="d-none"> City or Postcode </label> <input id="find_therapist_search" type="text" name="search" placeholder="City or Postcode" aria-label="Search input text"> <button type="submit" value="Search" title="" class="search-btn default" aria-label="Search button"></button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="resources--section"> <div class="h3">Connected Topics</div> <ul class="list-style-none"> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention">Attention</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/autism" title="Psychology Today looks at autism">Autism</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/boredom" title="Psychology Today looks at boredom">Boredom</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/child-development" title="Psychology Today looks at child development">Child Development</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/education" title="Psychology Today looks at education">Education</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/environment" title="Psychology Today looks at environment">Environment</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/executive-function" title="Psychology Today looks at executive function">Executive Function</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/neurodiversity" title="Psychology Today looks at neurodiversity">Neurodiversity</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/parenting" title="Psychology Today looks at parenting">Parenting</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/psychopharmacology" title="Psychology Today looks at psychopharmacology">Psychopharmacology</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/basics/rejection-sensitivity" title="Psychology Today looks at rejection sensitivity">Rejection Sensitivity</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="resources--section"> <div class="h3">Diagnosis</div> <ul class="list-style-none"> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adult" title="Diagnosis: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Adult">Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Adult</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-children" title="Diagnosis: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Children">Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Children</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-teen" title="Diagnosis: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Teen">Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Teen</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="resources--section"> <div class="h3">Test Yourself</div> <ul class="list-style-none"> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/health/adhdattention-deficit-disorder-test" title="Take Test: ADHD Test">ADHD Test</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/health/adhd-children-test" title="Take Test: ADHD in Children Test">ADHD in Children Test</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/personality/attention-span-test" title="Take Test: Attention Span Test">Attention Span Test</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/iq/executive-function" title="Take Test: Executive Function Test">Executive Function Test</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/career/concentration-focus-skills-test" title="Take Test: Concentration">Concentration</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/career/procrastination-test" title="Take Test: Procrastination Test">Procrastination Test</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/career/time-management-skills-test" title="Take Test: Time Management Test">Time Management Test</a> </li> <li class="list-style-none--item"> <a href="/gb/tests/iq/mental-speed-test" title="Take Test: Mental Processing Test">Mental Processing Test</a> </li> </ul> </div> </article> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x600 d-none d-lg-block d-xl-block block" id="block-adblock-2"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1390414551849-0" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1390414551849-0'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div id="block-findatherapistreferenceblock-2" class="block"> <div class="country find-therapist"> <div class="find-therapist--main"> <div class="h2 find-therapist--title"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling">Find ADHD Counselling</a></div> <p class="find-therapist--copy"> Get the help you need from a counsellor near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. </p> <form action="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=adhd" method="GET" class="find-therapist--form"> <div class="container-fat__callout_form" data-search-suggest="sussex" data-placeholder="City or Postcode" data-size="medium" data-section-icons="false" data-mobile-fullscreen="true" data-suggestions-url="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/search/suggestions?query={query}&attributes[0]=6&country-code=gb" data-search-url="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=adhd&search={query}" data-input-aria-label="Search input text" data-button-aria-label="Search button"> <div class="search td-search d-flex"> <div class="td-search--input"> <div class="search-field-container"> <label for="find_therapist_search" class="d-none"> City or Postcode </label> <input id="find_therapist_search" type="text" name="search" placeholder="City or Postcode" aria-label="Search input text"> <button type="submit" value="Search" title="" class="search-btn default" aria-label="Search button"></button> </div> </div> </div> </div> </form> <div class="find-therapist--image d-flex"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/default_images/counseling.jpg" width="310" height="300" alt="Counselling" title="Counselling" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="h3 find-therapist--cities-title">Cities:</div> <ul class="find-therapist--cities list-style-none"> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/nir/belfast?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Belfast" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Belfast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/birmingham?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Birmingham" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Birmingham</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/bournemouth?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Bournemouth" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Bournemouth</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/brighton?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Brighton" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Brighton</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/bristol?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Bristol" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Bristol</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/cambridge?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Cambridge" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Cambridge</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/wls/cardiff?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Cardiff" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Cardiff</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/central-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Central London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Central London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/cheltenham?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Cheltenham" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Cheltenham</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/coventry?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Coventry" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Coventry</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/east-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in East London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">East London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/sct/edinburgh?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Edinburgh" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Edinburgh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/exeter?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Exeter" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Exeter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/sct/glasgow?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Glasgow" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Glasgow</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/leeds?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Leeds" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Leeds</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/leicester?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Leicester" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Leicester</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/liverpool?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Liverpool" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Liverpool</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/manchester?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Manchester" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Manchester</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/milton-keynes?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Milton Keynes" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Milton Keynes</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/newcastle-upon-tyne?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Newcastle upon Tyne" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Newcastle upon Tyne</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/north-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in North London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">North London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/north-west-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in North West London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">North West London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/northampton?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Northampton" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Northampton</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/norwich?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Norwich" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Norwich</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/nottingham?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Nottingham" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Nottingham</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/oxford?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Oxford" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Oxford</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/sheffield?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Sheffield" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Sheffield</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/south-east-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in South East London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">South East London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/south-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in South London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">South London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/south-west-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in South West London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">South West London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/southampton?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Southampton" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Southampton</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/wls/swansea?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Swansea" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Swansea</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/swindon?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in Swindon" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Swindon</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london/west-london?category=adhd" title="Find ADHD Counselling in West London" data-event-label="PT_City" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">West London</a></li> </ul> </div> <footer> <div class="find-therapist--footer"> <span class="find-therapist--footer-cta">Are you a Counsellor?</span> <a href="https://join.psychologytoday.com/gb/signup?src=WWWCIT" class="find-therapist--footer-link">Get Listed Today</a> </div> </footer> </div> </div> </div> </aside> </div> </main> <footer role="contentinfo" class="footer"> <div> <div id="block-footerblock" class="block"> <section class="footer--section-first footer--section"> <div class="container"> <div class="footer--social-media d-flex"> <div class="main-nav--logo logo logo-en"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb" title="Psychology Today">Psychology Today</a> </div> <div class="footer--social-media--links d-flex"> <div class="footer--social-media--links--icon"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/psychologytoday" title="Psychology Today en Facebook"> <img width="30" height="29" loading="lazy" class="svg" alt="Facebook" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/logo/logo-facebook.svg"> </a> </div> <div class="footer--social-media--links--icon"> <a href="https://twitter.com/psychtoday" title="Psychology Today en Twitter"> <img width="30" height="29" loading="lazy" class="svg" alt="Twitter" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/logo/logo-twitter.svg"> </a> </div> <div class="footer--social-media--links--icon"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/psych_today/" title="Psychology Today en Instagram"> <img width="30" height="30" loading="lazy" class="svg" alt="Instagram" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/theme-assets/logo/logo-instagram.svg"> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="footer--section-second footer--section"> <div class="container"> <div class="footer--navigation d-flex"> <div class="views-element-container"> <div class="js-view-dom-id-d6e6b251bf87cb3be39fb98baadc7f304dc7bc8c833a7bc94d816703bec99415 magazine-footer-block"> <div class="h2 magazine-footer-block__title">Recent Issues</div> <div class="magazine-footer-block__container"> <div class="magazine-row"> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/11" title="November 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" width="384" height="504" alt="November 2024 magazine cover" title="Ditch Perfection & Rebalance Your Life" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/09" title="September 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-08/2024-09.png.jpg?itok=f_Oawcrq" width="384" height="504" alt="September 2024 magazine cover" title="Diagnosed in Adulthood" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/07" title="July 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-06/2024-07.png.jpg?itok=pCeLoQbs" width="384" height="504" alt="July 2024 magazine cover" title="Stand Up For Yourself" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/05" title="May 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-04/2024-05.png.jpg?itok=3uPTD2oA" width="384" height="504" alt="May 2024 magazine cover" title="Everyday Triggers" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/03" title="March 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-02/2024-03.png.jpg?itok=UyoZyp1R" width="384" height="504" alt="March 2024 magazine cover" title="Emotional Intelligence" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><div class="magazine-issue magazine-issue--magazine-cover"> <div class="magazine-cover__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/01" title="January 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2023-12/2024-01.png.jpg?itok=B11lkLSj" width="384" height="504" alt="January 2024 magazine cover" title="Burnout" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="https://subscribe.psychologytoday.com" class="btn btn-info btn-md-cta" title="Subscribe to Psychology Today Magazine">Subscribe Today</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer--navigation d-flex"> <ul class="list-style-none list-inline"> <li class="copy-opacity-70 font-weight-semi-bold"> <a href="/gb/docs/about-psychology-today" hreflang="en-gb" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5000407">About</a> </li> <li class="copy-opacity-70 font-weight-semi-bold"> <a href="/gb/docs/editorial-process" hreflang="en-gb" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5000410">Editorial Process</a> </li> <li class="copy-opacity-70 font-weight-semi-bold"> <a href="/gb/docs/privacy-policy" hreflang="en-gb" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5000083">Privacy</a> </li> <li class="copy-opacity-70 font-weight-semi-bold"> <a href="/gb/docs/terms-and-conditions" hreflang="en-gb" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5000084">Terms</a> </li> <li class="copy-opacity-70 font-weight-semi-bold"> <a href="/gb/docs/accessibility" hreflang="en-gb" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/5000099">Accessibility</a> </li> <li class="copy-opacity-70 font-weight-semi-bold pt-footer-consent-link"> <a href="javascript:revisitCkyConsent();">Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information</a> </li> </ul> <div class="country--flag-name"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/counsellors?domain=content&cc=gb&cl=en"> <img loading="lazy" width="29" height="20" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/flags/flag-lg-gb.svg" alt="United Kingdom" /> <span class="copy-opacity-70">United Kingdom</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="footer--copyright d-flex"> <p class="copy-opacity-70">Psychology Today © 2024 Sussex Publishers, LLC</p> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <div id="mobile-menu-container"> <div id="block-mobilenavtoplevelmenu" class="block"> <div class="sidebar sidebar-main" data-sidebar-location="main"> <div class="sidebar__header"> <a class="sidebar-back-arrow" data-sidebar-parent="main">Back</a> <div class="sidebar__logo"> <div class="h1 logo logo-en"><a href="/gb">Psychology Today</a></div> </div> </div> <ul class="sidenav"> <li> <a href="/gb"> Home </a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-sidebar-target="find-a-therapist"> Find Counselling </a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-sidebar-target="get-help"> Get Help </a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-sidebar-target="magazine"> Magazine </a> </li> <li> <a href="#" data-sidebar-target="today"> Today </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="sidebar" data-sidebar-location="find-a-therapist"> <div class="sidebar__header"> <a class="sidebar-back-arrow" data-sidebar-parent="main">Back</a> <div class="sidebar-title">Find a Therapist</div> </div> <div id="block-countrymobilenavigationfindtherapistblock" class="block"> <div> <ul> <li class="menu-list-category"><span>Get Help</span></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling" title="Find Counselling">Find Counselling</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/groups" title="Find a Support Group">Find a Support Group</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=online-counselling" title="Find Online Therapy">Find Online Therapy</a> </li> </ul> <ul> <li class="menu-list-category"><span>Members</span></li> <li><a href="https://member.psychologytoday.com/gb/login" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" data-event-label="PT_TopNav_TherapistLogIn">Login</a></li> <li><a href="https://join.psychologytoday.com/gb/signup" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" data-event-label="PT_TopNav_SignupN">Sign Up</a></li> </ul> <ul> <li class="menu-list-category"><span> United Kingdom </span></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/nir/belfast" title="Find Child Counselling in Belfast" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Belfast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/birmingham" title="Find Child Counselling in Birmingham" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Birmingham</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/bristol" title="Find Child Counselling in Bristol" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Bristol</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/wls/cardiff" title="Find Child Counselling in Cardiff" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Cardiff</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/coventry" title="Find Child Counselling in Coventry" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Coventry</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/sct/edinburgh" title="Find Child Counselling in Edinburgh" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Edinburgh</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/leeds" title="Find Child Counselling in Leeds" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Leeds</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/leicester" title="Find Child Counselling in Leicester" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Leicester</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/liverpool" title="Find Child Counselling in Liverpool" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Liverpool</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/london" title="Find Child Counselling in London" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">London</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/manchester" title="Find Child Counselling in Manchester" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Manchester</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/eng/sheffield" title="Find Child Counselling in Sheffield" data-event-label="PT_TopNavF_Therapist1" data-event-category="OutboundLink" data-event-action="Click" class="td-city-link">Sheffield</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="sidebar" data-sidebar-location="get-help"> <div class="sidebar__header"> <a class="sidebar-back-arrow" data-sidebar-parent="main">Back</a> <div class="sidebar-title">Get Help</div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-mental-health-mobile"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Mental Health</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/addiction" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/50109">Addiction</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/anxiety" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41827">Anxiety</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/adhd" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41094" class="is-active">ADHD</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/aspergers-syndrome" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41798">Asperger's</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/autism" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/40997">Autism</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/bipolar-disorder" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41105">Bipolar Disorder</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/chronic-pain" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53685">Chronic Pain</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/depression" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/40725">Depression</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/eating-disorders" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41459">Eating Disorders</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-personality-mobile"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Personality</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/passive-aggression" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53837">Passive Aggression</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/personality" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53843">Personality</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/shyness" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53941">Shyness</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-personal-growth-mobile"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Personal Growth</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/motivation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53823">Goal Setting</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/happiness" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53757">Happiness</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/positive-psychology" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53862">Positive Psychology</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/smoking" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53954">Stopping Smoking</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-relationships-mobile"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Relationships</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/low-sexual-desire" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/69085">Low Sexual Desire</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/relationships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53894">Relationships</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/sex" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53931">Sex</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-basicslinkmenublock-family-life-mobile"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Family Life</div> <div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/child-development" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53683">Child Development</a></li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/parenting" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53833">Parenting</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div id="block-gethelpbasicsindexblock" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title basics-link-title__view-help-index"><a href="/gb/basics" class="right-chevron-after">View Help Index</a></div> </div> <div id="block-gethelpindexlinksblock-2" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Do I Need Help?</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/tests" title="Self Tests" hreflang="en-gb"> Self Tests <div class="result-tag">NEW</div> </a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/basics/therapy" title="Therapy Center" hreflang="en-gb">Therapy Center</a> </li> </ul> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Recently Diagnosed?</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/conditions" title="Diagnosis Dictionary" hreflang="en-gb"> Diagnosis Dictionary </a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="/gb/types-of-therapy" title="Types of Therapy" hreflang="en-gb"> Types of Therapy </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div id="block-countrymenufindlinksblock-2" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Talk to Someone</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling" title="Find Counselling">Find Counselling</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/groups" title="Find a Support Group">Find a Support Group</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling?category=online-counselling" title="Find Online Therapy">Find Online Therapy</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="sidebar" data-sidebar-location="magazine"> <div class="sidebar__header"> <a class="sidebar-back-arrow" data-sidebar-parent="main">Back</a> <div class="sidebar-title">Magazine</div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-magazine-block-3"> <div> <div class="js-view-dom-id-a80f679eb02bb84561d9046403f8844c888ad4b9338ab4bd51ef85916018591c sidebar__content"> <div> <div class="magazine-issue magazine-cover-feature"> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__cover magazine-thumbnail"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/11" title="November 2024"> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" width="384" height="504" alt="November 2024 magazine cover" title="Ditch Perfection & Rebalance Your Life" loading="lazy" /> </a> </div> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__text"> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/magazine/archive/2024/11" title="November 2024"> <div class="h3 magazine-cover-feature__date"> November 2024 </div> <div class="h3 magazine-cover-feature__headline"> The Perfectionism Trap </div> </a> <div class="magazine-cover-feature__highlight"><p> When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires. </p></div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="https://subscribe.psychologytoday.com" class="btn btn-info btn-md-cta" title="Subscribe to Psychology Today Magazine">Subscribe</a> <a href="/gb/magazine/archive" class="btn btn-secondary btn-md-cta" title="Psychology Today Issue Archive">Issue Archive</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="sidebar" data-sidebar-location="today"> <div class="sidebar__header"> <a class="sidebar-back-arrow" data-sidebar-parent="main">Back</a> <div class="sidebar-title">Today</div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-news-today-menu-block-1-2"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">News</div> <div class="news-today-menu-block-1-content"></div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block" id="block-views-block-menu-blog-entry-essentials-block-1-2"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Essential Reads</div> <div class="menu-blog-entry-essentials-block-1-content"></div> </div> <div id="block-menutrendingtopics-2" class="block"> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title">Trending Topics in UK</div> <ul class="list-style-none main-nav--basics-links"> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/emotional-intelligence" hreflang="en-gb" title="Emotional Intelligence">Emotional Intelligence</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/narcissism" hreflang="en-gb" title="Narcissism">Narcissism</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/gaslighting" hreflang="en-gb" title="Gaslighting">Gaslighting</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/bias" hreflang="en-gb" title="Bias">Bias</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/affective-forecasting" hreflang="en-gb" title="Affective Forecasting">Affective Forecasting</a> </li> <li class="main-nav--basics-link"><a href="/gb/basics/neuroscience" hreflang="en-gb" title="Neuroscience">Neuroscience</a> </li> </ul> <div class="h3 main-nav--basics-link-title main-nav--basics-index-link"><a href="/gb/basics" class="right-chevron-after">See All</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","scriptPath":null,"pathPrefix":"gb\/","currentPath":"node\/41094","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ckeditorheight":{"offset":1,"line_height":1.6,"unit":"em","disable_autogrow":false},"dataLayer":{"defaultLang":"en","languages":{"en":{"id":"en","name":"English","direction":"ltr","weight":0},"es":{"id":"es","name":"espa\u00f1ol","direction":"ltr","weight":1},"fr":{"id":"fr","name":"French","direction":"ltr","weight":2}}},"ptAd":{"slotPlacement":{"slots":{"300x600_Right2_www_site":{"name":"300x600_Right2_www_site","path":"\/1032688\/300x600_Right2_www_site_Ad_Slot","opt_div":"div-gpt-ad-1390414551849-0","show_ad_text":true,"ad_text":"advertisement","size":[[300,600]],"device_sizes":["large","extra_large"],"ad_theme_type":"pt_ad","display_small":"","display_medium":"","display_large":"1","display_extra_large":"1"},"300x_Right_www":{"name":"300x_Right_www","path":"\/1032688\/300x*_Right_www","opt_div":"div-gpt-ad-1391201642419-0","show_ad_text":true,"ad_text":"advertisement","size":[[300,250]],"device_sizes":["large","extra_large"],"ad_theme_type":"pt_ad","display_small":"","display_medium":"","display_large":"1","display_extra_large":"1"},"300x250_Mobile_Content1":{"name":"300x250_Mobile_Content1","path":"\/1032688\/300x250_Mobile_Content1","opt_div":"div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9","show_ad_text":true,"ad_text":"article continues after advertisement","size":[[300,250]],"device_sizes":["small","medium"],"ad_theme_type":"pt_ad","display_small":"1","display_medium":"1","display_large":"","display_extra_large":""}},"targets":{"targeting":{"HealthCat":["404466"],"OtherCat":[],"SpecialCat":["basics"],"PageNid":["41094"],"BlogNid":[],"NodeType":["reference"]}},"exclusions":[]}},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"fb59c7f08668396797328e5a12c26a8ebc6135153a08bd3230a668c9a943a717"}}</script> <script src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/js/js_21hE7lAt4Sz7KJlc3V8cOBTI0lLYB5ms5WeiQ2gN59c.js"></script> <script src="https://resources.psychologytoday.com/directory/search-components/v1.0.14/search-suggestions.min.js" type="text/javascript" defer="true"></script> <script src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/js/js_moFHDfh0ca0aMUPlqZ_OFHaR19ot6W-hEyfjqJhB9bg.js"></script> <script src="https://securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js" defer></script> <script src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/modules/custom/pt_ad/js/gpt-process.js?v=1.x" defer></script> <script src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/js/js_kWjdfh4mG8hIloMY_vdpcjqhITFL-ZWiVvqPdmlyt8o.js"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

ADHD | Psychology Today United Kingdom