ADHD and mental health

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect how you think, feel and act. And how you experience the world and people around you. 

We're here with more information, including where to get support. 

I’ve battled mental health problems and I’ve had one condition, ADHD, that has been with me from day one to now. It is both my best friend and worst enemy.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition.

Neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health problems are closely connected. If you have ADHD, you may have similar symptoms to mental health problems. Or you may have a mental health problem at the same time.

ADHD begins in childhood. But it can be diagnosed at any age. You may not have recognised it until you were older. 

You may have some symptoms of ADHD all your life. And there may be some symptoms that change depending on:

• Your age
• Things happening in your life
• The amount of support you receive

You may hear the terms neurodiversity or neurodivergent.

• Neurodiversity is a word to describe how our minds work in different ways. Neurodiversity is not a diagnosis. But it can be used as an umbrella term covering lots of conditions including ADHD, autism and dyslexia.
• Being neurodivergent means our brain works in a way that might be seen as different to others.

There are different opinions around the best ways to describe ADHD. It's up to you which terms, if any, you find helpful to describe your own experiences.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

If you have ADHD, you might:

• Often feel unable to concentrate or focus
• Find it hard to organise and keep up with tasks
• Struggle with estimating and managing time
• Forget things like appointments, words or numbers
• Lose things a lot
• Struggle to follow instructions or feel a resistance to doing things that you have to do
• Feel restless (physically or mentally) or fidget a lot
• Feel like you constantly need to be active
• Struggle to pay attention to conversations or accidentally interrupt people
• Sometimes make impulsive decisions
• Struggle with recognising and managing emotions (sometimes called emotional dysregulation)
• Find it hard to maintain daily routines for things like sleeping or eating

Everyone's experiences are different. You may not have all of these symptoms. Or you may experience things that aren't listed here. 

ADHD and mental health problems

If you have ADHD, you may be more likely to get a mental health problem, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulties with recreational drugs, alcohol and addiction
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Personality disorder

Lots of the main symptoms of ADHD are things that impact your behaviour, mood, and thinking. So you might be misdiagnosed with a mental health problem rather than being diagnosed with ADHD. Or you may be given a diagnosis of ADHD that you don't agree with. 

Living with ADHD can also have a big impact on your mental health. For example:

• ADHD can have a big impact on work, relationships and daily life. These challenges can all affect your mental health.
• ADHD can affect your sleep. And sleep problems can impact your mental health.
• You may also experience mental health symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.
• You may feel guilt or shame about your symptoms, which can have an impact on your self-esteem.
• You may have experienced stress or trauma relating to your ADHD. For example, if you've struggled to get the right diagnosis or support. Or if you spent many years feeling confused, misunderstood or judged.
• You may experience stigma or discrimination about ADHD.

Our A-Z of mental health lists different mental health problems. You can find information on them including tips for self-care and details of treatment and support. 

ADHD, my mental health and me

Watch Georgia talk about her experiences and how ADHD interacts with her mental health. And how she supports herself. 

ADHD assessments and diagnosis

To get an ADHD diagnosis and treatment, you'll need to have an ADHD assessment. Your GP can refer you to an ADHD specialist for this.

At the assessment, they'll ask you about your symptoms, when they started and how they affect your life. If they diagnose you with ADHD, they'll talk to you about support options. And what you can do next.

NHS ADHD assessments often have very long waiting lists. This can feel difficult or frustrating.

If you live in England, you may be able to ask for an appointment at a different clinic with a shorter waiting list. You may be able to do this through the Right to Choose scheme.

The NHS website has more information about Your choices in the NHS. ADHD UK has information about Right to Choose and how you can use it for an ADHD assessment.

You might consider paying to go private and get an assessment. But this can be very expensive. You may also struggle to access NHS treatment for ADHD following a private assessment.

For more information about getting an ADHD diagnosis, see ADHD UK's diagnosis pathways for adult ADHD. It has information about the different stages of getting a diagnosis and your options.

Support and treatment for ADHD

Treatment for ADHD includes medication and talking therapies. The NHS page on ADHD in adults has more information.

Whether you're seeking help for ADHD or a mental health problem, the first place to start is usually with your GP.

It's not always easy having a conversation with your doctor. Our page on how to get help from your GP for mental health can help you to prepare for your GP appointment. And talk about how you're feeling, so you can make the most of your time with them.

ADHD resources and support for young people

If you're a young person looking for support for your mental health, we have a guide on where to look for mental health support for 11-18 year olds. 

To find out more about living with ADHD and the treatment and support available, visit YoungMinds page on ADHD and mental health.

YoungMinds also has a guide on supporting your child with ADHD for parents. And the NHS has a page on ADHD in children and young people. 

Useful contacts for ADHD

There are some organisations that can support you if you have ADHD:

You could also look for a peer support group in your area or online.

Our page on how to find a support group has more information.