ADHD UK: Support Strategies And Treatment Options
According to the BBC, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5% of children and three to 4% of adults in the UK. This neurodevelopmental disorder can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life.
In adults, ADHD can affect a person’s performance at work and their ability to focus on tasks at home. In children, the disorder can significantly affect the ability to sit still and follow instructions at school. Keep reading to explore ADHD UK information, strategies that may help with hyperactive or inattentive symptoms, and ways to find people ADHD support that makes a difference in everyday life.
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What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
While people tend to have a greater awareness of ADHD than they used to, some confusion persists regarding what ADHD is and how it manifests in different people. While it may be tempting to diagnose someone else or oneself with ADHD, mental health professionals typically have to assess a person to see if they meet a specific set of criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
There are three main types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. The following are some common symptoms of the first two types.
Inattentive type
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- A tendency not to pay attention to details
- Difficulty with organization
- A tendency to lose items needed for daily tasks
- Distraction
- A tendency not to follow written instructions or to leave tasks incomplete
Hyperactive/impulsive type
- Difficulty remaining seated
- Excessive talking
- A tendency to interrupt others
- Difficulty waiting one’s turn
- A tendency to fidget
Prevalence of ADHD: UK data from the NHS
NHS England estimates that there are nearly 2.5 million people living with ADHD in England. Of these, over 550,000 are pursuing ADHD assessment. Each month in 2025, 20,000 more individuals receive a referral for support, which represents a 13% rise from 2024. This rise in referrals may be due to the fact that more people are aware of ADHD symptoms nowadays, which may lead them to seek evaluation and treatment.
How the ADHD Foundation can help
The ADHD Foundation can be a valuable source of support for people with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. The foundation publishes educational content on ADHD for individuals experiencing the disorder, as well as for parents of children with ADHD. The foundation’s content includes reading tips, information for employers, and strategies for teenagers living with ADHD. The ADHD Foundation also offers a Neurodiversity Clinic, which provides a complete pre-diagnostic ADHD screening for individuals from ages six to 60.
Strategies to help people with ADHD
People living with ADHD may see improvement by implementing various strategies in their everyday routines. The following are just a few:
- Use time blocking. Some people with ADHD may experience difficulty staying on task. To focus better, they may benefit from scheduling a specific time to work on a certain task and then breaking that block of time into productive time and work breaks.
- Try to minimize distractions. Some individuals living with ADHD find that they focus better when they turn off phone notifications and minimize other distractions.
- Designate spaces for important items. Individuals with ADHD may benefit from designating spaces for items they need on an everyday basis, such as keys and school materials.
- Declutter the home. By reducing clutter at home and work, people with ADHD may find that they can better focus on tasks throughout the day.
Mental health support
In addition to using the above strategies, some people may benefit from speaking with a therapist about how to manage ADHD symptoms. A credentialed therapist can help people navigate challenges related to inattention or hyperactivity in their everyday lives, whether at work or at home. Therapy may also help with any comorbid disorders a person experiences, such as anxiety disorders like panic disorder.
Online mental health support
Some individuals might live in an area with few therapists who specialize in ADHD. In these cases, online therapy may be a valuable option to seek support. With online therapy through BetterHelp, individuals can access a network of more than 5,000 UK-based professional therapists, which may make it easy to find someone who has expertise in ADHD treatment. Online therapy enables individuals to connect with a therapist via audio, video, or live chat at a time that works for them. Also, people can reach out to their therapists at any time via in-app messaging, and their therapists will generally respond as soon as they can. This feature may be especially helpful for days when people experience more intense symptoms of ADHD.
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How is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated?
ADHD is often treated with therapy and medication. ADHD medication may include stimulants, non-stimulants, or anti-depressants as prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor. If one medication doesn’t work for a patient, another may be more effective for their specific symptoms.
Aside from the NHS, what are some mental health organizations that support ADHD UK patients?
The following are some organizations that can support people living with ADHD:
- Mind
- The UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN, which lists peer support groups)
- The UK ADHD Partnership
- The ADHD Foundation
What does the ADHD Foundation offer people with ADHD?
The ADHD Foundation provides numerous resources for individuals and families affected by ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. These include educational resources intended for parents and caregivers, children and adults with ADHD, and LGBTQIA+ individuals living with ADHD.
What makes ADHD worse?
A common factor that can worsen ADHD symptoms is alcohol use. Alcohol and substance use can be common in both young people and adults. Some people with ADHD may start using alcohol or other substances to cope with their symptoms, but this often leads to negative outcomes. People with ADHD who develop substance use disorder can benefit from seeking treatment for both disorders. A medical professional may monitor any symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or other substances as a person undergoes detoxification.
Why is it so hard to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK?
Data suggests that there’s currently a high demand for ADHD diagnosis in the UK. However, even without a diagnosis, there may be ways to seek support. For example, learning more about ADHD from online resources and joining a peer support group where you can talk to other adults who struggle with similar challenges can be helpful. You can also make lifestyle changes, like maintaining a consistent schedule with regular mealtimes.
Is it worth getting an ADHD diagnosis in the UK?
Getting a diagnosis can open the door to various treatment options, as well as reasonable adjustments at work. Once you have a diagnosis, you may begin to work with an ADHD specialist or an ADHD coach to develop an effective health and care plan and manage your symptoms.
Is ADHD overdiagnosed in the UK?
It’s possible that ADHD could be overdiagnosed, but other factors are also at play. For example, more people are aware of ADHD and its symptoms (frequently interrupting conversations, finding it extremely difficult to focus, feeling restless, struggling to remain quiet in a quiet area, and more) than ever before. This can lead to increased rates of diagnosis.
Are there any benefits for ADHD in the UK?
Some people with ADHD in the UK may be able to receive benefits. You may be eligible for Personal Independence Payments, for example, although not everyone who applies will qualify.
What is the best therapy for ADHD in the UK?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to treat ADHD. Sometimes, a doctor may also prescribe medication to manage symptoms. If a psychiatrist initially prescribes your medication, but you’d like your primary care provider to continue prescribing it, you may need to sign a Shared Care Agreement.
If you have other neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, additional treatments may be recommended. Other conditions like dyslexia, a neurodivergent condition, tend to have different treatments as well.
What support can I get for ADHD in the UK?
You can receive therapy through the NHS, a therapist with an in-person practice, or online therapy. A mental health professional can offer advice and help you understand the way your brain works.
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