ADHD doesn't suddenly develop in adulthood—it's a neurodevelopmental condition present from childhood. However, many adults receive their first diagnosis later in life. This often happens when life demands exceed coping strategies, such as starting university, beginning a demanding career, or becoming a parent.

Childhood symptoms may have been dismissed as 'daydreaming', 'laziness', or 'being difficult'. Women particularly often receive late diagnoses due to subtler presentations. If you're wondering about adult-onset symptoms, they likely represent long-standing ADHD that's become more apparent due to increased responsibilities or reduced support structures.

Absolutely. Many successful entrepreneurs, creatives, medical professionals, and leaders have ADHD. The condition can bring valuable strengths: creative thinking, hyperfocus on passionate interests, energy, spontaneity, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

Success often comes from finding careers that suit your ADHD profile, implementing appropriate strategies, and potentially using treatment to manage challenging symptoms. Many find that roles with variety, urgency, creativity, or physical activity particularly suit their ADHD traits. With proper support and self-understanding, ADHD need not limit career aspirations.

ADHD medications don't alter your fundamental personality—they help regulate neurotransmitters to improve focus and impulse control. Many people describe feeling 'more like themselves' on medication, as they can finally access their true capabilities without ADHD symptoms interfering.

The right medication at the correct dose should enhance your natural abilities, not suppress them. Some report feeling slightly calmer or more focused, but creativity, humour, and core personality traits remain intact. If medication makes you feel 'zombie-like' or fundamentally different, it's likely the wrong medication or dose, and adjustments should be discussed with your clinician.

ADHD itself doesn't worsen with age—in fact, hyperactivity often decreases. However, life becomes more complex, with increased responsibilities that can make symptoms feel more challenging. Executive function demands in careers, relationships, and parenting can expose difficulties that were previously manageable.

Hormonal changes, particularly in women during perimenopause, can affect ADHD symptoms. The good news is that with age often comes better self-awareness and coping strategies. Many adults develop effective systems and find that proper treatment, combined with life experience, leads to better management over time.

Yes, lifestyle modifications can significantly impact ADHD symptoms. Regular cardiovascular exercise acts as natural medicine for the ADHD brain, improving focus and mood. Consistent sleep schedules, protein-rich breakfasts, and omega-3 supplements show evidence of benefit. Mindfulness meditation, though challenging initially, can improve attention regulation with practice.

Structure and routine are powerful tools—using planners, timers, and breaking tasks into smaller steps. However, whilst these strategies are valuable, they work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Many find that medication enables them to implement and maintain these beneficial lifestyle changes more effectively.

Our diagnostic process follows NICE guidelines and DSM-5 criteria rigorously. We begin with comprehensive clinical interviews exploring your developmental history from childhood, current symptoms, and their impact across different life domains. Validated assessment tools like the DIVA-5 and ASRS help structure our evaluation.

We carefully screen for conditions that can mimic or co-exist with ADHD, including anxiety, depression, and autism. Where helpful, we gather collateral information from family members or review school reports. Our specialists synthesise all information to provide a thorough, accurate diagnosis with detailed recommendations for treatment and support.