The Ultimate Adult ADHD FAQ

The Ultimate Adult ADHD FAQ 

Understanding ADHD 

1. What is ADHD? 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or a combination of both. It is the most common neurobehavioural disorder in childhood, and its symptoms may persist into adolescence and adulthood. 

2. What is the difference between ADHD and ADD? 

ADD is an old term that stopped being used in 1987, when the condition was renamed ADHD to acknowledge hyperactivity as part of the diagnosis. This change also made it possible to define the three subtypes (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined). 

Today, some people still use the term ADD to refer to the inattentive subtype of ADHD.  

3. Is ADHD hereditary? 

Yes. Multiple studies have shown that ADHD has a strong genetic component (Demontis, 2023). It is estimated that between 60% and 90% of cases have a hereditary basis, and that the risk of having ADHD is five to ten times higher in the children or siblings of people with ADHD (Balogh, 2022). 

Diagnosis  

4. ADHD diagnostic criteria 

The diagnostic criteria are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and are divided by subtype. Symptoms must be traceable to before the age of 12, even if the diagnosis is made in adulthood. For people aged 17 and over, at least five symptoms from a subtype must have been present during the past six months in order to meet the diagnostic criteria. 

5. How is ADHD diagnosed? 

Diagnosing ADHD in an adult requires a clinical interview carried out by a specialist, during which biographical information (childhood and adolescence) and current symptoms are explored. 

It is also necessary to rule out underlying medical causes such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism, insomnia, or other mental health conditions that could explain ADHD-like symptoms. 

In addition to meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, when ADHD remains the strongest diagnostic hypothesis, standardised scales are used to support a reliable diagnosis. Some of the scales used to diagnose ADHD in adults include: 

• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1 & ASRS-5) 

  
  

• Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) 

  
  

• Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS-IV) 

  
  

• Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-25) 

  
  

• Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales (BADDS) 

6. Can ADHD develop in adulthood? 

No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood. Symptoms are present from early stages of development, although they are not always identified in time. 

What happens is that the symptom profile changes with age — some symptoms may intensify during adolescence while others diminish or transform in adulthood — giving the impression of a “late onset” when in reality it reflects the natural evolution of the condition. 

7. How long does the diagnostic process take through the NHS? 

According to the BBC, waiting times for an adult to receive an initial assessment through the NHS range from 12 weeks to 8 years, with an average wait of 618 days (1.7 years). 

8. What is the cost of a private ADHD assessment? 

The cost of a private adult ADHD assessment in the UK varies significantly, typically ranging from £599 to over £2,000. 

9. ADHD Right to Choose 

This is a legal right available to NHS patients in England, established within patient choice policies. 

It allows patients to choose a private clinician to carry out their ADHD assessment, thereby avoiding long waiting lists. It is available even for those whose GP has already referred them to a specific provider. 

Treatment & Management 

10. What treatment options are available for adults? 

• Pharmacological treatment, which may involve stimulant or non-stimulant medication. 

• Psychotherapeutic support focused on developing skills and adaptive coping strategies; two of the most common approaches are CBT and mindfulness. 

• Complementary therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), tDCS, or neurofeedback. 

11. Are lifestyle changes and non-medication strategies effective for managing ADHD? 

They are an essential part of treatment in all cases. For mild cases, they may be sufficient to provide the structure and support needed to manage ADHD successfully. However, when symptoms are moderate or severe, they may not be enough and may need to be combined with pharmacological therapy for the best outcomes. 

Symptoms & Related Conditions 

12. Common signs of ADHD-related executive dysfunction 

Some common signs include: difficulties with organisation and planning, trouble prioritising tasks, procrastination, poor time management, lateness, problems following instructions, frequent forgetfulness, and sudden mood shifts (emotional impulsivity). 

13. Can ADHD co-occur with anxiety, depression, or autism? 

Yes. As mentioned earlier, ADHD has a significant genetic component. It is now known that between 84% and 98% of the genetic variants associated with ADHD are shared with other psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, and autism. 

Living with ADHD 

14. What coping strategies help with adult ADHD? 

Coping strategies vary depending on which symptom causes the most difficulties. There is no single set of strategies that works for everyone; rather, each person builds their own toolkit based on their needs. Some coping strategies by ADHD subtype include: 

• Impulsivity: STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed mindfully), self-imposed pauses before making decisions (at least 24 hours before important decisions), and mindfulness. 

  
  

• Time management: for people with ADHD, using alarms tends to be more effective for managing tasks and keeping track of time. Buffer time also helps reduce stress and combats time blindness. 

  
  

• Inattention: breaking tasks into small, manageable steps makes it easier to complete them. Having a colleague, family member, or friend act as a body double helps maintain focus on what matters and strengthens the sense of capability. 

15. How does ADHD affect relationships and work performance? 

ADHD can shape relationships and work in subtle but meaningful ways. In relationships, it may lead to misunderstandings—like forgetting plans, getting easily distracted, or struggling with emotional regulation—which can leave partners feeling unheard or disconnected.  

At work, challenges with focus, organization, and time management can make tasks feel overwhelming or lead to missed deadlines. 

Gender-specific Presentations 

16. ADHD in adult men 

Men are more likely to present with the hyperactive/impulsive or combined subtype of ADHD. Common symptoms include interrupting conversations before it is their turn to speak, externalising emotions — often in the form of verbal or physical aggression — engaging in risky activities (such as extreme sports or dares), or experimenting with substance use. This last behaviour increases the risk of developing addictions. 

In men with predominantly impulsive/hyperactive symptoms, the intensity often decreases in adulthood, although the consequences — such as addiction — may persist. 

17. ADHD in adult women 

In women, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is more common. It often presents subtly, with difficulties in concentration, organisation, and memory being the main features. 

When ADHD is not detected in childhood, the typical age of diagnosis in women is between 36 and 38 years. This is partly due to the tendency of women to internalise their emotions and mask what they are experiencing. Few people are able to recognise the mood changes, fear of rejection, guilt, or shame they face on a daily basis. 

UK Rights & Support 

18. Is ADHD a disability in the UK? 

Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the UK’s Equality Act 2010. Legal protection is based on the impact of the condition rather than the diagnosis itself. 

19. Can I apply for PIP for ADHD? 

You can apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you can demonstrate that ADHD substantially affects your ability to manage certain aspects of daily life or impacts your mobility. 

Remember that eligibility criteria focus on the difficulties caused by ADHD, not on the diagnosis alone. 

 20. Can adults with ADHD access workplace adjustments or support? 

Yes. Because ADHD is considered a disability, employers are required to make reasonable adjustments that allow people with the diagnosis to work on equal terms. These adjustments may include providing noise-cancelling devices, locating the workspace in a quiet area, or offering flexible schedules and active breaks. 

Last updated December 2025 
Written by Dr. Julieth Diaz for ADHD Test 

Important: This article is for information only. Diagnosis and treatment are determined and overseen by a qualified clinician. If you feel affected, contact your GP. 

References 

Demontis, D., Walters, G.B., Athanasiadis, G. et al. Genome-wide analyses of ADHD identify 27 risk loci, refine the genetic architecture and implicate several cognitive domains. Nat Genet 55, 198–208 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-022-01285-8 

Balogh, L., Pulay, A. J., & Réthelyi, J. M. (2022). Genetics in the ADHD clinic: How can genetic testing support the current clinical practice? Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 751041. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.751041 

BBC News. (2025, July 12). Average 618-day wait for adult ADHD assessment. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ypk245yp4o