What is ADHD?
What Is ADHD & Who Does It Affect?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. While it is often identified in childhood, many people do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. ADHD is not simply about being 'easily distracted' – it is a complex condition that can affect behaviour, focus, emotions, and daily life.
ADHD can affect anyone – men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds. Symptoms may present differently from person to person. For example, some may appear outwardly energetic and restless, while others struggle quietly with low energy, worry, or depression.
It is important to remember that ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence or ability. Many people with ADHD are highly creative, intuitive, and resilient – but without the right support, they can find daily life very challenging.
Common Signs and Issues Linked to ADHD
ADHD presents in many different ways. People may experience one or several of the following:
- Hyperactivity & Impulsivity – Feeling restless, fidgety, unable to sit still, or making decisions too quickly without thinking them through.
- Attention Issues – Difficulty concentrating, struggling to focus on tasks, or becoming easily distracted.
- Low Energy – Feeling constantly tired or lacking motivation.
- Appetite Changes – Poor appetite or, alternatively, overeating.
- Restlessness or Listlessness – Feeling like you can’t switch off, or the opposite – feeling flat and unmotivated.
- Emotional Struggles – Nervousness, constant worrying, irritability, or being unable to relax.
- Negative Feelings – Struggling with fearfulness, hopelessness, or symptoms of depression.
- Sleep Problems – Trouble falling asleep, waking frequently, or sleeping too much.
It’s important to note that not everyone with adult ADHD experiences all these symptoms, or to the same degree. The key is that these symptoms are persistent, pervasive (occur in multiple settings like work and home), and cause significant impairment in daily functioning.
What Causes Adult ADHD?
The exact causes are not fully understood, but ADHD is thought to involve a combination of:
Genetics: ADHD often runs in families.
Brain Structure and Function: Differences in brain chemistry (neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine) and certain brain areas involved in executive functions (planning, organising, attention).
Environmental Factors: Certain factors during pregnancy or early childhood may contribute, though this is less clear for adult onset without prior childhood signs.
How ADHD Can Affect Daily Life
ADHD can impact many areas of life, including:
School or Work – Difficulty concentrating, meeting deadlines, or staying organised can affect performance.
Relationships – Impulsivity, mood changes, or difficulties with communication can cause strain.
Everyday Tasks – Managing finances, remembering appointments, or keeping up with responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
Wellbeing – Low energy, anxiety, or poor sleep can take a toll on mental and physical health.
Without the right support, ADHD can feel like a constant uphill struggle. Here at Urban Assessments, we offer private ADHD assessments with a structured process designed to give you clarity, understanding, and support.
Our ADHD Assessment Process
Your ADHD assessment at Urban Assessments will include the following steps:
Information Gathering: You’ll be asked to complete a set of questionnaires about your current symptoms, personal history, and general health. These help us build a clear picture of your experiences and identify any related factors that may affect attention or behaviour. If you consent, someone who knows you well (such as a partner or parent) may also be invited to complete an informant questionnaire.
Clinical Interview(s): A qualified clinician will meet with you via secure video call to explore your symptoms in more depth. These conversations focus on how your attention, activity levels, and impulsivity have affected different areas of life – both now and in the past. We’ll also discuss your upbringing, school experiences, work history, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. This is your space to be open and reflect honestly, with guidance from a compassionate and experienced professional.
(Optional) Further Testing or In-Clinic Review: In some cases, your clinician may recommend additional steps. This might include a computer-based attention test or an in-clinic appointment if more direct observation or a physical check is needed before considering treatment. These decisions are made with your input and based on what will best support an accurate and safe assessment.
What If I Am Diagnosed With ADHD?
If a diagnosis is made, a range of effective treatments and support strategies are available:
Psychoeducation: Learning about adult ADHD, its impact, and how to manage it.
Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can be very effective in reducing core ADHD symptoms in adults. Your clinician will discuss options, benefits, and potential side effects.
Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD helps develop practical skills for managing inattention, disorganisation, procrastination, and emotional regulation.
ADHD Coaching: Provides practical support and strategies for achieving specific life goals.
Lifestyle Adjustments & Strategies:
- Developing organisational systems (e.g., planners, reminders).
- Time management techniques.
- Creating a structured environment.
- Strategies for managing distractions.
- Regular exercise, healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene.
Workplace/Study Accommodations: Support in identifying and requesting reasonable adjustments
What If I Don't Have ADHD?
Sometimes, difficulties with attention or restlessness can be due to other factors like anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, or other medical conditions. The assessment will explore these possibilities. If ADHD is not diagnosed, we will discuss other potential explanations and recommend appropriate next steps or referrals. Options available include:
Consulting Your GP: Share the assessment outcome with your GP, they can review your overall physical and mental health and recommend the best course of action or treatment.
Exploring Recommended Strategies/Therapies: Even without an ADHD diagnosis, many strategies can help manage challenges with attention, organisation, or restlessness. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness & relaxation techniques, lifestyle adjustments such as improving sleep hygiene, regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress management.
We can help you find the right support and strategies to improve your well-being and functioning.