With NHS waiting lists for ADHD assessments growing across the UK, many adults are choosing to seek private assessments to get answers sooner. However, people are understandably concerned about spending money on an assessment only to find that the NHS will not recognise it.

Over the last few years working as a psychologist and therapist with adults with ADHD, I’ve become increasingly interested in the role that psychological defense mechanisms play in how many people cope before diagnosis — and sometimes long after it.

If you've ever sat down to do a small task (reply to a text, sort the laundry, stack the dishwasher) and felt like you were trying to walk through treacle, this post is for you.

If you've spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you've probably caught yourself thinking "wait, is that me?" more than once. Maybe it was a video about ADHD. Maybe it was about autism. Maybe both. And now you're not sure which (if either) actually explains what's going on for you.

If you are thinking about booking a private ADHD assessment, you are probably wondering what actually happens. Will it feel like an exam? What do you need to prepare? How long will it take? This guide walks you through the whole process from the moment you book through to receiving your final report, so you know exactly what to expect.

Over the last few years, dopamine has become the internet’s favourite neurotransmitter. It’s blamed for distraction, burnout, social-media addiction, and often invoked in conversations about ADHD. The idea that ADHD is just a “dopamine deficiency” that can be hacked, boosted, or “reset” through tricks like dopamine fasting has a certain appeal. Unfortunately, it’s also a big oversimplification — and sometimes a harmful one.

Driving can be a big step toward independence, but for people with ADHD, there are extra things to consider. This post goes over how ADHD can affect driving, what UK laws require (DVLA), and some tips to help stay safe on the road.

Studying with ADHD at home can be tricky — from staying focused to managing time and motivation. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can make studying far more manageable (and even enjoyable). Drawing on insights from the University of Queensland, Birmingham City University, and recent academic research, here’s how to make your study sessions ADHD-friendly.

Because these two neurodevelopmental conditions frequently co-occur, some individuals are referred for a combined autism and ADHD assessment. But what exactly does that process involve?

Diagnosing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is a nuanced and often complex task. Unlike childhood ADHD, where behaviours are typically observed in structured school environments and reported by teachers or parents, assessing for adult ADHD often relies on retrospective self-report. This introduces a significant margin for error—making collateral history an essential part of a robust diagnostic process.

Rejection sensitivity is more than just taking things personally; it's a personality disposition that involves an excessive tendency to anxiously expect, readily perceive, and intensely react to social rejection. And for many people—ADHD or not—it shapes emotional wellbeing, relationships, and vulnerability to mental health conditions.