What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. It affects how the brain manages attention, motivation, impulses, and emotional regulation.
ADHD is a neurodivergence, meaning your brain processes information differently from other, more ‘typical’ brains. Neurodivergent brains exhihit great strengths – like creativity, quick thinking, empathy, and high energy – but they can also face challenges with focus, organisation, and consistency.
How does ADHD present?
ADHD can present in three main ways:
• Primarily inattentive (difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganisation)
• Primarily hyperactive-impulsive (restlessness, interrupting, acting quickly or impulsively without thinking)
• Or a combined presentation of both of the above
It’s not about laziness or lack of intelligence or capability. It’s simply about how your nervous system is wired.
How do I know if I have ADHD?
Many people begin to wonder about ADHD after years of feeling ‘different’, overwhelmed, agitated, bored or frustrated with themselves or others.
You might notice:
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
• Frequently losing things or missing appointments
• Hyper-focus on certain things that really interest you, but struggling with everyday responsibilities
• Emotional intensity or rejection sensitivity
• Chronic procrastination despite good intentions
• Feeling exhausted from trying to keep up.
Diagnostic Criteria
A formal diagnosis is typically made by a qualified clinician (such as a psychiatrist, a trained GP or a psychologist) using criteria from the DSM-5-TR.
To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must:
• Be persistent for at least six months
• Appear in more than one setting (e.g., work, home, school)
• Interfere with daily functioning
Diagnosis usually involves a detailed history and symptom checklists, and is necessary if you wish to consider medication avenues.
Whether you have been formally diagnosed or not, our counsellors can help you better understand your experience of neurodivergence, and support you with a range of practical strategies to help you manage its impact. If appropriate, we can also help guide you toward a formal assessment.