ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how certain neurotransmitters in the brain function and communicate. It is part of the broader category of neurodiverse conditions, which also includes autism and others.

ADHD is typically characterised by three core symptom areas:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, completing tasks, staying organised, or listening attentively
• Hyperactivity: Excessive movement or talking, restlessness, and difficulty remaining still
• Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and struggling to wait or take turns.

While many people may experience these behaviours occasionally, individuals with ADHD experience them persistently across multiple areas of life, significantly impacting their wellbeing and daily functioning.

According to current NICE guidelines, an estimated 4–7% of the UK population may have ADHD. As of October 2025, approximately 2.5% of UK adults have received a formal diagnosis.

Impact of ADHD

Living with ADHD can affect various aspects of life, including:

• Educational attainment
• Sustaining employment
• Personal relationships and friendships
• Risk of offending behaviours
• Substance misuse.

Diagnosing ADHD

ADHD symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so a thorough assessment is essential. To meet diagnostic criteria, individuals must:

• Fulfil the DSM-5 criteria for inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
• Have experienced symptoms since childhood and across different settings (e.g. home, school, work)
• Show evidence of functional impairment in areas such as education, employment, relationships, and self-esteem
• Be assessed for co-occurring conditions, which may require treatment alongside or prior to ADHD intervention.

What happens next?

• If you are not diagnosed with ADHD: We will explain how the diagnostic criteria were not met and may suggest alternative explanations or support options based on your symptoms.

• If you are diagnosed with ADHD: We will discuss the diagnosis with you and explore any unmet health or social care needs. You will also be offered the opportunity to consider medication, and if appropriate, we will refer you to our medication pathway for further support. All medication carries risk of side effects for some people, a list of which can be viewed at Drugs & Medications A to Z - Drugs.com.

Medication

Medication can be an effective part of ADHD treatment for many people, helping to improve symptoms such as focus, attention, and impulse control. However, it’s important to understand that:

• Medication does not cure ADHD or change who you are as a person
• Some individuals may find medication ineffective, or experience side effects that outweigh the benefits
• For many, knowledge and self-management strategies can be equally valuable in managing ADHD.

Making sense of ADHD

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has created A Guide to Living with Adult ADHD as part of their 'Making Sense' series. This engaging document brings together a wide range of helpful information and practical advice in one accessible guide. 

Understanding ADHD

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Help for people potentially with ADHD

Getting Things Done – practical advice for managing everyday tasks:

• Stop Procrastinating – a short, accessible YouTube video offering techniques to improve focus and productivity
• Goblin Tools – Magic To Do – an AI-based tool that helps break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• The Pomodoro Technique for ADHD – a video explaining how to use timed work intervals and breaks to maintain focus
• ADHD and Motivation - The Motivation Bridge – a video explaining strategies for overcoming motivational blocks.

Colleagues at CANDDID – Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and the ADHD Foundation have produced a series of informational videos: ‘Understanding and Managing ADHD’. Topics include understanding how ADHD impacts you, ADHD and relationships, how hormones and menopause impact on women with ADHD and many more.

ADHD can co-occur with other neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health conditions, which can benefit from specific treatment and intervention prior to, or alongside ADHD treatment. Some examples are listed below;

Autism

People with autism can experience executive functioning difficulties which includes, difficulties with organisation, planning and emotional regulation. The NHS UK website has published information on the signs of autism in adults.

Generalised anxiety disorder

Symptoms include restlessness or feeling ‘keyed up’ or on edge, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep). Find out more about Generalised anxiety disorder in adults on the NHS UK website.

Depression

Symptoms can include poor concentration, indecisiveness, fatigue, disturbed sleeps, agitation, low motivation. Find out more about the symptoms of depression on the NHS UK website.

Other things to consider include:

Dyslexia

Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) or Dyspraxia: NHS guidance on DCD

If you're pursuing an ADHD assessment, it's likely you're experiencing challenges in areas such as home life, work, education, or social situations. While a formal assessment is necessary to confirm the cause of these difficulties, there are supportive resources available that may help in the meantime.

Many tools and strategies have been developed specifically for people with ADHD. However, if you're struggling with organisation, time management, or emotional regulation, these resources may be beneficial regardless of diagnosis.

It’s important to note that not everyone who undergoes an ADHD assessment will meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis. Many individuals experience traits of ADHD to varying degrees. Around 2–4% of adults meet the diagnostic threshold, where medication may be clinically appropriate based on the level of impairment and a careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Even without a diagnosis, ADHD traits can significantly impact daily life—sometimes alongside other conditions. In these cases, exploring non-medical approaches can be helpful.

To support you during this waiting period, our clinical team has curated a selection of resources aimed at helping you ‘Wait Well’. These include:

• Guidance to help you consider whether ADHD assessment is the most appropriate route
• Practical tools and strategies based on the challenges you're facing
• Information to help you prepare for your assessment and make the most of your time with our Clinical Practitioners

Even if you do not receive an ADHD diagnosis, you may still find these resources helpful in managing symptoms and improving your wellbeing.

Adult ADHD can cause problems with executive function. This means people with the condition may have a hard time initiating tasks, following through, remembering things, or managing complexity.

Many people have found success in delegating important memory and productivity tasks to their mobile devices. Apps are available to help you organise, prioritise, and build structure into your life.

NHS-approved apps can be accessed via Our Dorset (orchahealth.com)

There are a multitude of apps that you can download direct from this site, with the knowledge that they have been tested (assessed) by the organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA).

With so many apps to choose from on it can be difficult to know which ones to choose and trust, and where to go to find them. Sometimes apps can have hidden costs attached.

Many of the apps listed are free to use and all are available on both Android and iOS. They all have a privacy policy and have either evidence for the approach used and/or direct evidence to support the apps’ benefits.

These apps have been designed to help users to manage things that they might find difficult when experiencing low mood, anxiety, or stress. They work by teaching skills and strategies to manage these feelings in the moment, and to help reduce their impact in the future. Some of the apps can also direct users to sources of more information, local resources, and who to contact in a crisis.

Learning more about ADHD

NHS website – ADHD

Education Centre – online learning ADHD - Dorset HealthCare :: Learn online

ADHDUK What is ADHD - About ADHD (adhduk.co.uk)

Visit Dorset Neurodiversity Hub.

In partnership with the Dorset Mental Health Forum, Dorset HealthCare offers a range of courses through the Recovery Education Centre (REC). These include:

• Introduction to ADHD
• Understanding ADHD.

These courses are designed to provide insight and practical strategies for managing ADHD. In addition, the REC offers a variety of other courses that may be helpful for symptoms commonly associated with ADHD, such as:

• Self-Management
• Self-Compassion
• Recognising My Strengths
• Building Confidence with Work
• Managing Mood
• Mindful Living

Please note: Course availability is correct as of October 2025 and may change term by term. We will aim to keep this list updated.

You do not need a formal ADHD diagnosis to access these courses. They may be valuable if you're experiencing difficulties that led you to seek more information or support around ADHD.

Mental health and self-management support

Access Wellbeing 

Dorset HealthCare - Steps 2 Wellbeing

Employment support

The government’s access to work scheme can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access this support.

ADHD UK has produced an employer’s guide to ADHD with ideas for reasonable adjustments called the ADHD work welfare pack. This may give you some ideas of adjustments to try. This is very individual so spend some time trying out strategies to see what helps optimise your working environment.

Home - We put care into everything we do (tricuro.co.uk)

The Community Outreach and Support Team (C.O.A.S.T) provides support to help you explore future work options or retain current employment.

Telephone: 01202 797846

Mobile: 07814774689

Address: C.O.A.S.T, Seaview Centre Annex, Croft Rd, Parkstone, BH12 3LD.

Email: poole.coast@tricuro.co.uk

It is advised that you call the office and complete a referral form with them to be added to their waitlist.

Alternatively, you could contact your GP or CAAS and ask to be referred to Vocational Services at Dorset Healthcare University Foundation NHS Trust who also offer employment support.

Dorset HealthCare :: Dorset Work Matters

Dorset HealthCare :: Vocational Services

Access Dorset Access Dorset – Enhancing the everyday lives of disabled people, older people and carers in Dorset provide social clubs and skills clubs for people with a health condition or disability. They help build confidence and enhance skills for applying to jobs.

Web: www.accessdorset.org.uk

Tel: 01202 771336

Email: enquiries@accessdorset.org.uk

Job Centre Plus provides resources to enable job-searchers to find work, through Job points (touch-screen computer terminals), Jobseeker Direct (telephone service) and the Job Centre Plus website. They offer information about training opportunities for the chronically unemployed. They administer claims for benefits such as Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, and Jobseeker's Allowance. You can find your nearest branch online.

Educational support

If you are a student, have a look at this advice and guidance for students with ADHD. Also see if you are eligible for the disabled students’ allowance.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) support www.sass-ltd.co.uk

Southampton Assessment and Study Services (SASS) provide needs assessments and support plans for students eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). This assessment should not only focus upon perceived weaknesses but also on your existing strengths. In addition, the results should be monitored and reviewed as situations can change and some students require additional support at later stages e.g., when doing thesis work.

If a student has applied for DSA and has been told to arrange a DSA study needs assessment, they can contact SASS to arrange an appointment at their centres in Southampton, Bournemouth, Chichester, or Bognor Regis.

Email: admin@sass-ltd.co.uk

Phone: 07837 553841 or 0845 070 6941 (phones will be answered between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday)

Text: 07837 553841

Post: SASS, Unity 12, 9-19 Rose Rd, Southampton SO14 6TE Web: www.sass-ltd.co.uk

Other students with autism have found the following additional recommendations to be useful:

• Extra time and a separate room in exams
• Permission to use laptop computers to type written exams
• Clear concise and unambiguous instructions and feedback
• Special arrangements in student accommodation
• Give as much notice as possible to changes of plans, room changes, staff changes and assignment changes
• Personal mentoring or additional tutoring
• Support when working in group settings

Relationship support

Relate: A national provider of relationship support to people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities

Getting things done

If you are struggling with practical daily tasks such as housework or completing other important tasks some of these resources may be helpful. The Stop Procrastinating YouTube video.

Breaking down tasks into manageable steps: Goblin Tools – Magic To Do is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool which can help break down tasks into steps.

The Pomodoro Technique for ADHD – this video shows how tasks can also be broken down into chunks of time with breaks using a timer, which can make it easier to get started and stay on task.

Motivation

Motivation is one of the biggest challenges most people with ADHD face. This video about ADHD and motivation is all about how to fix Motivation Bridge.

Exercise

There is evidence to suggest that regular exercise can be beneficial to those with ADHD and other mental health difficulties. Potential benefits include:

• reduced impulsivity
• reduced hyperactivity
• improved attention control
• enhanced executive functioning
• improved mood and sleep

What to know about exercise and ADHD – this article explores how exercise helps with ADHD.

VIDEO: How exercise can help with ADHD (And how to actually do it)

Eating well

The food we eat can affect our physical and mental health. For more information on eating a balanced diet visit the NHS live well site.

Mindfulness

Practising mindfulness can help improve focus and attention in additional to general benefits for your mental and physical health.

Watch this what is mindfulness video.

Read this article on Meditation for the Bored & Restless: How to Practice Mindfulness with ADHD.

Sleep

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has published advice for improving your sleep.

Sleepio App is a six-week clinically proven programme used to treat insomnia, available free on the NHS.

Watch this video on ADHD and Sleep.

General support

Help & Care – The Dorset Self-Management Service: This service aims to support people with long-term health conditions and those caring for others. The service helps people to feel more confident managing on a day-to-day basis and includes managing one’s health, as well as becoming more connected with the local community. Open Mon-Fri 10-4pm.

Tel: 0300 111 3303

Web: www.helpandcare.org.uk

Citizens Advice services include:

• Benefits • Housing • Consumer issues • Employment • Debt & Money Advice • Family and Relationships • Legal • Immigration

Visit their website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ and find your local citizens advice contact information using the postcode search.

Diverse Abilities Advice Team offers support with complicated issues or situations, questions, and forms in relation to disability benefits and legal matters including lasting power of attorney (LPA), deputyship and wills with trusts. The team is not-for-profit and does need to charge a small fee, but the team’s services for wills, LPAs and deputyship applications are cheaper than other professionals in the area.

Tel: 0300 330 5514 (calls charged at the local rate) Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 1.30pm (information and appointment line)

Web: https://diverseabilities.org.uk/advice

Dorset HealthCare's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a free, confidential service offering support to help you sort out any concerns you may have about the care we provide and guide you through the different services provided by the Trust.

Crisis support

Access Mental Health Dorset

If you are struggling to cope or feel yourself nearing a breakdown, Access Mental Health is here to provide help.

Designed in partnership with local people, it offers a range of services which provide support at times and places when people need it the most. The services include Connection, Retreats and CFRs 

Connection - Dorset Healthcare’s 24/7 mental health and support line.

The Retreat - A safe space to discuss your problems and access peer support. If you’re struggling to cope with life and feel yourself approaching crisis point you can attend the Retreat.

Community Front Rooms (CFRs) - are open to anyone over 18 who needs face-to-face support. They are staffed by mental health professionals and peer specialists (people with personal experience of mental health issues) and are there for you if you are struggling to cope and feel you are approaching a crisis point.

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text ‘Shout’ to 85258

Samaritans: Provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress, or suicidal feelings. 

Tel: 116 123 (Call anytime for free)

Email: jo@samaritans.org – response time 24hrs.

ADHD peer support and groups

Advice and guidance re self-help and signposting:

Managing adult ADHD

Self care for people with ADHD

Tips for everyday life living with ADHD

NHS - ADHD

Diagnosis pathways

Tips and tricks to better manage ADHD