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ADHD and mental health

If you’re finding it hard to concentrate or control what you’re doing, it might be a sign of attention deficit hyperactive disorder or ADHD. Find out more about what ADHD is and how you can get support.

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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means if you have ADHD, there are some differences in how your brain works. This can impact how you act and experience the world.

It’s not a mental health condition or a learning disability. But having ADHD might affect your mental health, and some people with ADHD might also have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression.

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 both other types of ADHD.

ADHD traits usually start before the age of six, but you can be diagnosed at any age. Some people don’t realise they have ADHD until they’re much older. ADHD can be different for everyone and depend on your age, sex, gender identity and if you have other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Two young people sitting in the grass together.
People with ADHD make massive changes and adjustments for the comfort of others every day. I am constantly doing things which are detrimental to my wellbeing and are totally out of my comfort zone. All we ask is that you try to meet us part of the way.
Hannah
How to support someone with ADHD

ADHD in women

  • It used to be thought that women and girls were less likely to have ADHD than boys and men. But this isn’t true. They just often experience ADHD differently.

    Signs of ADHD in women are more likely to be:

    • struggling to relax or wind down
    • finding decision making overwhelming
    • spacing out when other people are talking
    • finding social settings too much

    There’s not a lot of research about ADHD for people who don’t identify as male or female. But whatever you’re going through, it’s valid. If you need support with your gender identity and mental health, we have advice to help you.

Guide to gender identity and mental health

Getting help for your ADHD

The first things you need to do to get help is speak to your GP. We know it can be hard, but they’ll know how to support you. From there, you might be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If your GP thinks you need mental health support before or after the assessment, they’ll refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Get more advice on speaking to your GP

ADHD assessment

Your ADHD assessment will be done by a specialist, like a child or adult psychiatrist. They’ll do an assessment where they ask you questions about how you’re feeling and what you’re going through.

As part of the assessment, they‘ll speak to your parents and teachers, with your permission. Your family might not support your decision to be assessed. But know that it’s your choice to get the right support for you.

Treatment

ADHD can be treated using medicine or therapy, but often you’ll be offered a combination of both.

Parent and child looking at a mobile phone together.
I have ADHD and other people will have it too, so don't think you’re alone because you are not. I know it’s hard but we can all get through it if we stay strong, be brave and overcome our worries and fears.
Molly: ADHD, as told by a 10-year-old

ADHD and mental health conditions

  • Research shows that people with ADHD might be more likely to develop a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression can also have similar symptoms to ADHD. A specialist will be able to tell you more about what this means for you after your assessment.

    Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition linked to ADHD. This is where you show a lot of anger or uncooperative behaviour to people in charge. If your behaviour is disruptive or you don’t like being told what to do, your doctor might give you this diagnosis.

Get advice on mental health conditions

Tips for managing your ADHD

ADHD is something that you’re born with, so you won’t ‘grow out of it’. But people do say that they’re able to manage it more easily as they get older. Finding ways to look after yourself can help, and there are lots of things you can try.

  • Get support at school or university

    Try to speak to a teacher or support worker about how your ADHD affects you. They can help you to get the right support you need, like extra time for exams or help organising your day.

  • Exercise

    Exercising regularly can be good for general wellbeing and can help you get out any built-up energy and focus better.

  • Talk to a friend

    It’s a good idea to tell a friend so they know how they can support you. Talking to other people with ADHD can also help. Together you can support each other, talk about your experiences, and find ways to manage your ADHD.

  • Take breaks

    Taking regular breaks can help if you’re finding it hard to focus. If you’re trying to work through something big like studying for a test, break up what you’re doing into small bits so it doesn’t feel too much.
Two people sat on a sofa laughing together.
I often use breathing exercises. They distract me from the worry-filled ‘mind cloud’ by noticing my breath. It helps me relax and, even though my attention will likely bounce back to the worry, it’s okay – I can keep returning to the breath.
Check out Hassnat's ADHD self-care tips
Two young men walking down a together, talking and smiling. One is wearing a black jacket and headphones around his neck. The other is wearing a grey hoodie.

ADHD and your mental health

ADHD can leave you feeling out of control and like everything is too much. If people don’t understand what you’re going through, it can be really tough. They might think you’re being difficult or criticise you for things you’re struggling with. Or you might feel alone and bad about yourself because they don’t get it. But no one should make you feel bad for things you can’t control.

If you’re finding things hard, it can be helpful to remind yourself of the good things about your ADHD. Like how it can make you super passionate about a whole load of things or give you lots of energy when you need it. Everyone’s brains work differently and there’s no ‘right way’ for you to be.

Get help now

If you're worried, stressed or struggling to cope you are not alone. Here are some services that can help you. 

  • ADHD and You

    Contains information and resources to help young people living with ADHD.

    ADHD and You

  • ADHD UK

    Information and resources on subjects including diagnosis, medication, education and employment, as well as online support groups.

    ADHD UK

  • Childline

    If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

    Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

    Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

    Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

    Opening times:
    24/7
    Childline

  • Student Minds

    Supports students to look after their mental health by providing information and advice.

    They also provide details about local services offered by universities.

    Student Minds

  • Youth Access

    Provides information about local counselling and advice services for young people aged 11-25.

    Put in your location and what you need help with into their 'Find help' search, and see what services are available in your area.

    Youth Access

More information and advice

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This page was reviewed in September 2022.

It was co-created with young people with ADHD.

We will next review the page in 2026.

YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.

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