Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
What therapy can help with

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects the brain and way people behave. It can mean that some people find it hard to concentrate or regulate their emotions, or they are hyperactive or behave impulsively. It鈥檚 estimated that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD.

There are three different types of ADHD:

• inattentiveness and distractibility - having trouble focussing.
• hyperactivity and impulsivity - feeling really active and not thinking before saying or doing things.
• combined ADHD - a mixture of the above.

鈥淭he exact cause of ADHD isn鈥檛 fully understood, but research suggests a strong genetic component, often influenced by environmental factors. ADHD affects both children and adults, and it presents in a variety of ways unique to each individual,鈥� shares Clare.

What are the key signs of ADHD?

People can experience ADHD differently, but typical signs of ADHD include:

• difficulty sitting still and feeling fidgety
• struggling to organise things or forgetting important dates and tasks
• feeling very sensitive or emotional
• talking a lot or interrupting people
• being impulsive or saying and doing things without thinking
• finding it hard to focus for a long time
• difficulty in waiting your turn
• struggling to concentrate or getting distracted easily
• finding it hard to follow instructions

鈥淚n daily life, this might show up as missing important dates or losing track of what one was doing or saying,鈥� explains Clare. "Challenges with structure and organisation can also make it harder to keep on top of household responsibilities or long-term plans. It鈥檚 important to remember that these traits can vary widely from person to person and may show up differently depending on context and environment."

ADHD and mental health

ADHD can sometimes impact mental health, especially when day-to-day challenges lead to repeated experiences of frustration or misunderstanding. It can also lead to masking too 鈥� which is the process where individuals with ADHD conceal their symptoms and emotional struggles to conform to neurotypical societal expectations. This exhausting coping mechanism can lead to burnout, confusion, and a sense of disconnection.

鈥淪truggling with tasks that others appear to manage easily may lead to feelings of low self-esteem, guilt, or shame over time,鈥� shares Clare.

鈥淩elationships can also be affected. For example, difficulties with attention, forgetfulness, or impulsivity may be misinterpreted by others as carelessness or lack of consideration. These misunderstandings can feel painful, leading to emotional withdrawal or a sense of isolation.鈥�

Clare also says that the fast-moving nature of the ADHD mind can make it harder to stay connected to the body鈥檚 natural cues for rest, nourishment, or self-care.

鈥淭his disconnection can increase the risk of anxiety, low mood, or difficulties regulating emotions. In some cases, individuals may turn to external coping strategies, including substance use, in an attempt to soothe internal discomfort or overstimulation,鈥� she adds.

How can counselling help?

Counselling can play a huge part in helping people come to terms with their diagnosis and cope with how it impacts their lives.

Counselling offers a safe and supportive space to explore the emotional and practical challenges that can come with ADHD. It can help individuals develop tailored strategies, such as working on communication or assertiveness, using visual planners or colour-coded reminders, or creating shared systems for household organisation.

鈥淚mportantly, therapy can help people reconnect with their sense of self beyond the challenges they face, restoring confidence and a deeper understanding of their unique strengths,鈥� shares Clare.

鈥淭his renewed self-trust often has a positive ripple effect across relationships, work, and personal wellbeing.鈥�

Clare also says that grounding techniques, such as body-based awareness or mindfulness practices, can also be explored in therapy to support regulation and help bring more balance between head and body, thought and action.

If you have a disability, health, or mental health concern, we can help you by making adjustments to remove or reduce barriers you might be facing to access therapy.

To find a trained and registered therapist who specialises in helping people with ADHD, please visit the Therapist Directory.

It鈥檚 important to note that some people (including therapists) consider ADHD to be a natural part of human neurodiversity, not a disorder.

References

National Institute of Mental Health

Young Minds

ADHD UK

If you have any comments or would like to share your story, please get in touch with us.听