What should you know about ADHD?

ADHD can affect attention, organisation, time management, impulse control, activity level, and the ability to complete tasks. A person may struggle with difficulty concentrating in one setting but focus intensely on an engaging activity. Irritability, sleep problems, or feeling anxious can occur alongside ADHD, yet these symptoms also have other possible causes. The condition is assessed by looking at a persistent pattern across daily life, its impact, and developmental history rather than one questionnaire or one difficult period.

Write down examples from work, school, home, relationships, and daily organisation, including when the difficulties began and what improves or worsens them. Review sleep, mood, substance use, medicines, and physical health with a clinician because each can affect concentration. A Mental Health Assessment may include an interview, questionnaires, developmental information, and observations from someone who knows you. Treatment planning can include practical routines, psychological support, educational or workplace adjustments, and prescribed medicine when appropriate.

Arrange an assessment when attention, impulsivity, or restlessness repeatedly disrupts safety, learning, work, relationships, or self-care. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm, severe agitation, confusion, or inability to stay safe. A sudden change in concentration or behaviour deserves medical review because it may reflect sleep loss, medication effects, substance use, or another health problem rather than ADHD.

Ask which symptoms are most relevant, what other explanations should be checked, who should contribute information, and which support options fit your responsibilities and health.