What is ADHD? Symptoms, causes, and what to do next?

Finding it difficult to concentrate, constantly losing important items, struggling to organize your day, or feeling unusually restless can happen to anyone occasionally. However, when these difficulties are persistent and begin affecting work, education, relationships, or everyday responsibilities, they may be signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Understanding what ADHD is, its symptoms, and possible causes can make it easier to recognize when professional advice may be appropriate. This blog explains the main signs of ADHD, how the condition can affect adults and children, and what you can do if you think you or someone you know may have it.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It affects how a person manages attention, impulses, and activity levels. Having ADHD does not simply mean being unable to concentrate or being energetic. People with ADHD may experience persistent difficulties that interfere with several areas of daily life.

ADHD characteristics generally fall into three main groups:

• Inattention: difficulty maintaining focus, organizing tasks, or remembering things.
• Hyperactivity: restlessness, excessive activity, or feeling unable to slow down.
• Impulsivity: acting or speaking quickly without fully considering the consequences.

What are the main symptoms of ADHD?

Everyone occasionally becomes distracted, forgetful, or impatient. ADHD is different because the symptoms tend to be persistent and have a meaningful impact on everyday functioning.

Symptoms of inattention

The following difficulties can become particularly noticeable when someone has to independently manage work, finances, studies, or household responsibilities. Someone experiencing predominantly inattentive ADHD symptoms may:

• Become distracted easily.
• Find it difficult to concentrate for extended periods.
• Frequently lose keys, phones, documents, or other belongings.
• Forget appointments, deadlines, or everyday responsibilities.
• Struggle to organize tasks and manage time.
• Start projects but find completing them difficult.
• Make avoidable mistakes because of missed details.
• Have difficulty following lengthy instructions.
• Appear not to listen during conversations.
• Frequently move from one unfinished task to another.

Hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms

The NHS identifies inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity as the core groups of ADHD symptoms. Possible signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:

• Frequently feeling restless.
• Finding prolonged sitting uncomfortable.
• Fidgeting with hands or feet.
• Talking excessively.
• Interrupting other people during conversations.
• Finding it difficult to wait for a turn.
• Making decisions quickly without considering the consequences.
• Constantly needing activity or stimulation.
• Feeling internally restless even when appearing calm.
• Taking unnecessary risks because of impulsive decisions.

ADHD symptoms in adults

ADHD does not necessarily disappear when someone becomes an adult. However, the way symptoms appear can change. An adult may no longer appear obviously hyperactive but could experience an ongoing sense of internal restlessness. Difficulties with organization may also become more apparent as responsibilities increase.

Common examples of ADHD in adults include:

• Frequently missing appointments or deadlines.
• Difficulty prioritising work.
• Poor time management.
• Becoming distracted during meetings or conversations.
• Frequently changing jobs or projects.
• Forgetting bills or important responsibilities.
• Struggling to maintain routines.
• Impulsive spending or decision-making.
• Difficulty completing repetitive tasks.
• Relationship problems linked to forgetfulness or impulsivity.

What does ADHD look like in children?

Children naturally have different attention spans and energy levels, so being active or easily distracted does not automatically mean a child has ADHD. Possible signs become more significant when they are persistent and interfere with school, friendships, or home life.

A child with ADHD may:

• Have difficulty listening to instructions.
• Become distracted during lessons.
• Forget routine tasks.
• Frequently lose school items.
• Fidget or move when expected to remain seated.
• Find waiting difficult.
• Interrupt teachers, parents or other children.
• Have difficulty finishing schoolwork.
• Appear unusually energetic or restless.

What causes ADHD?

There is no single confirmed cause of ADHD. Research suggests that genetics plays an important role, and ADHD frequently occurs within families. However, having a relative with ADHD does not automatically mean someone will develop the condition. The NHS also identifies several factors that have been associated with ADHD, including:

• Genetic differences.
• Premature birth.
• Certain brain injuries.
• Epilepsy.
• Autism.

Can stress or anxiety look like ADHD?

Yes. Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and restlessness can occur for many reasons. People with ADHD can also experience other conditions alongside it. The NHS notes that anxiety, depression, addictions, and learning difficulties such as dyslexia may occur in people with ADHD.

This overlap is another reason why a professional assessment is important. Symptoms similar to ADHD may sometimes be associated with:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Sleep problems.
• Autism.
• Learning difficulties.
• High levels of stress.
• Certain physical health conditions.
• Alcohol or substance use.
• Side effects from some medicines.

How is ADHD diagnosed in the UK?

There is no single blood test, brain scan, or online questionnaire that can independently confirm ADHD. A diagnosis requires an assessment by an appropriately qualified specialist. NICE guidance covers the recognition, diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults.

For adults, an ADHD assessment may explore:

• Your current symptoms.
• Whether characteristics were present during childhood.
• Your educational history.
• Work and everyday functioning.
• Relationships and family life.
• Medical and mental health history.
• Other possible explanations for your symptoms.

What should you do if you think you have ADHD?

If symptoms are regularly affecting your work, education, family life or relationships, consider seeking professional advice.

1. Keep a record of your symptoms

Write down examples of situations where concentration, organisation, restlessness or impulsivity cause difficulties. Recording real examples can make it easier to explain your concerns.

2. Think about your childhood

ADHD begins during childhood even if it is diagnosed much later. Consider whether similar difficulties were present at school or home when you were younger. Old school reports or information from relatives can sometimes provide useful context.

3. Speak to your GP

The NHS recommends making an appointment with your GP when possible if ADHD symptoms are affecting studies, work, or relationships. Your GP can discuss your symptoms, consider other possible conditions, and determine whether referral for an ADHD specialist assessment is appropriate.

4. Do not self-medicate

Prescription ADHD medicines should not be taken without appropriate assessment and medical supervision. ADHD medication must be initiated and monitored by an ADHD specialist, according to NHS guidance. Using prescription medicines obtained without appropriate clinical oversight may expose you to unnecessary side effects, interactions, and other health risks.

How is ADHD managed?

There is no single management plan suitable for everyone. Support depends on a person's symptoms, age, circumstances, and how significantly ADHD affects everyday life.

Options may include:

Lifestyle strategies

Helpful habits may include:

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
• Exercising regularly.
• Eating balanced meals at consistent times.
• Using calendars, alarms, and reminder apps.
• Breaking large tasks into smaller steps.
• Reducing unnecessary distractions while working.
• Creating consistent daily routines.

Workplace or educational support

Adults may benefit from reasonable adjustments such as written instructions, quieter workspaces, or additional help organizing tasks.

Children and young people may receive support through their school, including assistance from a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) where appropriate.

Psychological support

Talking therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may be helpful for some people, particularly when ADHD affects organization, emotions, self-confidence, or relationships.

ADHD medicines

Medication may be considered when clinically appropriate. Medicines used for ADHD can include methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine, among other treatment options.

Not everyone with ADHD needs or wants medication. When medicine is appropriate, it should be prescribed and monitored under suitable specialist care.

When should you seek help for ADHD symptoms?

Consider discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional when difficulties with attention, impulsivity, or restlessness are persistent and regularly affect:

• Work performance.
• Academic progress.
• Relationships.
• Financial management.
• Household responsibilities.
• Emotional well-being.
• Day-to-day organization.

Choose EnglandMeds for your ADHD medications

At EnglandMeds, patient safety should always come before access to medication. Prescription medicines should only be used when clinically appropriate and according to the instructions provided by your prescriber or pharmacist. We serve customers across major cities in England, including London, Leeds, and Bristol. Our convenient communication options make it easy to get in touch and discuss your medication needs.

• Serving customers across major cities throughout England.
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• Simple and straightforward ordering process.
• Helpful support throughout your medication enquiry.

FAQs about ADHD