Have you ever wondered whether you might have ADHD? Or maybe you’ve noticed signs in your child and aren’t sure what to do next. According to NICE, around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children have ADHD.

Many more people live with symptoms without being assessed so the actual number could be much higher.

Taking the first step towards an assessment can feel daunting, especially with long NHS waiting lists and uncertainty about what’s involved. That’s where we come in. Our expert consultant psychiatrists make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We’ve been helping people get the support they need since 2009, with over 3,000 of our clients benefiting from shared care agreements with their GP. Whether you need a diagnosis for yourself or your child, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We offer comprehensive ADHD assessments led by experienced consultant psychiatrists. With no long waiting lists, you can get an assessment quickly, often within a few weeks. The process is structured, evidence-based, and designed to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

If you decide to pursue a private ADHD assessment, you do not need a GP referral, but your doctor can provide valuable input, particularly when sharing medical history and any relevant past diagnoses. 

During your assessment, your psychiatrist will take a detailed history and discuss your symptoms, how they have developed over time, and how they impact your daily life. They will also explore your past medical history, family history, and any coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression. After gathering this information, the psychiatrist will formulate a diagnosis and create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report within approximately two weeks. This report will outline your diagnosis and recommend the next steps. Your psychiatrist will explain the baseline health checks required before starting treatment if medication is advised. 

If you begin a medication trial, you typically need between three to six follow-up appointments to determine the correct dosage. During these follow-ups, your psychiatrist will monitor your response to treatment, track any side effects, and conduct physical observations such as blood pressure and weight measurements. They will also update your GP on your progress in line with GMC guidelines on safe prescribing.

Once your medication regime is stabilised, we can arrange a shared care agreement with your GP if they are willing to accept it. This allows your GP to take over prescribing your medication under NHS prescription rates, making ongoing treatment more affordable. While we cannot guarantee shared care arrangements with every GP, many of our clients who choose medication successfully transition to shared care.

Book an adult ADHD assessment HERE.

Step 3. Understanding the background history as best as possible. Childhood development - what school was like, their work experience and their relationship with drugs and alcohol.

Step 4.  The DIVA-5 aids ADHD-specific history-taking. It is important to understand when symptoms started and how much impairment, distress or difficulty they cause. 

Step 5. Explaining the outcome including any comorbid conditions e.g. OCD/ depression. I also take their questions and explain that they will think about their whole life until now and how ADHD may explain a lot of things they previously wondered about.

Step 6. Briefly cover treatment options, explain the need for tests and GP involvement, and gain consent.

Step 7. Offer a follow-up with investigation results and discuss medication in detail, including how they work, available options, side effects and monitoring. If patients are unsuitable for medication or do not want it, we discuss workplace adjustments and psychotherapy options.”

Children’s ADHD assessments involve an in-depth clinical evaluation of their symptoms, their evolution over time, and their impact on various aspects of life, including school, home, and social interactions. The psychiatrist will also take an entire developmental history, exploring past medical conditions, family history, and any potential coexisting conditions that may be affecting your child’s behaviour.

Following the assessment, parents will receive a detailed report via secure email within approximately two weeks. This report will confirm whether a diagnosis has been made and outline a tailored treatment plan. If medication is recommended, baseline health checks, similar to those for adults, will be required before starting treatment.

If your child is prescribed medication, they will need follow-up appointments to determine the correct dosage and monitor any side effects. These follow-ups are crucial for ensuring the medication is effective, well-tolerated and safe. As with adult ADHD assessments, our psychiatrists will liaise with your child’s GP to provide updates on their progress, and once a stable medication plan is in place, we can request a shared care agreement with your GP. While this cannot be guaranteed, most children prescribed medication through our clinic move onto shared care with their GP over time.

Book a child ADHD assessment HERE.

Receiving a precise ADHD diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and management. Since there is no single physical test for ADHD, a structured clinical assessment conducted by an experienced psychiatrist is the most reliable method for diagnosis. Our thorough assessment process ensures that symptoms are accurately identified and that any coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression, are considered.

Booking an ADHD assessment with us is straightforward. Visit our website and click the 'Book an Appointment' tab. Then, choose whether the appointment is for an adult or a child and whether you prefer a face-to-face consultation at our clinics in Manchester or London or an online appointment via Zoom. 

Once you’ve selected a date, you can also choose the psychiatrist you want to see by viewing their profiles, which outline their experience and background.  Many are experts in their field, having worked in the NHS for many years. 

Your appointment will be confirmed after you fill in your contact details and complete payment.

Book an assessment HERE

Our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the assessment and treatment process. We encourage you to be open and transparent about symptoms and their impact, as this allows us to create the most effective treatment plan possible. Whether through therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication, early intervention and tailored treatment can significantly improve focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

It’s important to remember that while ADHD assessments are essential in diagnosing the condition, they do not always result in a diagnosis. Other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and a comprehensive assessment will explore all possible explanations for a person’s symptoms. Additionally, some people may have ADHD-like symptoms but not meet the full diagnostic criteria for the condition.

Our specialist psychiatrists and coaches provide evidence-based services, including ADHD diagnosis, medications, coaching, mindfulness, and educational support. With a focus on empowering people to reach their potential, we offer ongoing support beyond diagnosis. For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.adhdcentre.co.uk

The journey with ADHD can be challenging, but with guidance and resources, it’s possible to build a balanced, fulfilling life. Our free drop-in sessions are just one of the ways we continue to support you on this path, helping you strengthen skills and build resilience with the support of experts who understand the ADHD experience. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to a doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are never alone. 

Our highly experienced team is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD and how to manage it effectively and embrace some of its challenges. 

Book an ADHD assessment for an adult or a child HERE   

For more information on how we could help you: 

Call 0800 061 4276

Email enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk 

Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn

The ADHD Centre has released new research demonstrating the transformative impact of its evidence-based treatment and coaching services on professionals with ADHD. According to its findings, 72% of clients report a substantial improvement in their overall quality of life, while 67.6% experience a significant boost in workplace performance.

These results emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and tailored support for individuals with ADHD, not just for individual well-being but also for business success. With an estimated 540,000 office-based professionals in the UK potentially living with undiagnosed ADHD, many struggle with focus, organisation, and time management. This includes many people in professional services who face significant challenges due to ADHD, despite their intelligence and expertise.

Undiagnosed ADHD in the workplace can lead to chronic stress, burnout, workplace conflicts, and increased sick leave. High turnover rates are common, as employees leave roles where they feel unsupported, affecting overall business productivity.

From a business perspective, the consequences are equally significant. Without proper support, ADHD-related challenges, such as missed deadlines, inefficiencies, and human error, can impact profitability. At the same time, businesses risk missing out on the unique strengths of employees with ADHD, including creativity, problem-solving abilities, and hyperfocus. Addressing these challenges is not just a legal responsibility under the 2010 Equality Act but also an opportunity to enhance workplace performance and inclusivity.

To help businesses support neurodiverse employees and ensure compliance with UK employment law, The ADHD Centre offers an Employment Assisted Programme. This comprehensive initiative provides confidential assessments, workplace adjustments, and neurodiversity training for managers.

These accommodations can include flexible working arrangements, structured task management, and executive coaching - all of which have been shown to enhance employee engagement and retention.

Our specialist psychiatrists and coaches provide evidence-based services, including ADHD diagnosis, medications, coaching, mindfulness, and educational support. With a focus on empowering people to reach their potential, we offer ongoing support beyond diagnosis. For more information about our services, visit our website at www.adhdcentre.co.uk

The journey with ADHD can be challenging, but with guidance and resources, it’s possible to build a balanced, fulfilling life. Our free drop-in sessions are just one of the ways we continue to support you on this path, helping you strengthen skills and build resilience with the support of experts who understand the ADHD experience. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to a doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are never alone. 

Book an ADHD assessment for an adult or a child HERE   

For more information on how we could help you: 

Call 0800 061 4276

Email enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk 

Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn

If you have ADHD, sleep can feel like an ongoing battle. Struggling to fall asleep, waking in the middle of the night, and feeling exhausted no matter how much rest you get are common. 

Sleep deprivation can affect ADHD symptoms and also impact mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. To make things even trickier, external factors like seasonal clock changes can disrupt an already delicate sleep pattern.

The good news is that understanding why ADHD affects sleep and making minor but meaningful adjustments can help you develop healthy sleep habits.

Tips for managing sleep and mental health:

• Prioritise sleep as self-care – View sleep as essential for mental health, not an optional activity.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule – Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Practise relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm a racing mind. Mindshift is a free app which helps with anxiety.
• Seek professional support if needed – If sleep problems affect your daily life, speak to a doctor or ADHD specialist.

How to manage medication and sleep:

• Take medication at the right time – Speak to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or timing to minimise sleep disturbances.
• Consider non-stimulant alternatives – Some people do better with non-stimulant ADHD medications that don’t interfere with sleep.
• Monitor caffeine intake – Stimulants, combined with coffee or energy drinks, can make sleeping even more difficult.
• Keep a sleep diary – Tracking how your medication affects your sleep can help your doctor make necessary adjustments. The NHS has further information on ADHD medication.

How to handle the clock change:

• Adjust your bedtime gradually – Start shifting your sleep schedule by 15 minutes each night leading up to the change.
• Get natural light exposure – Sunlight helps regulate your internal clock, so try to go outside in the morning.
• Stick to a consistent routine – Maintaining a steady sleep schedule will help your body adjust to the time shift.
• Use blackout curtains – If lighter mornings or evenings affect your sleep, controlling your bedroom’s light exposure can make a big difference.

Managing sleep with ADHD isn’t easy, but small, consistent changes can make a significant impact. Addressing procrastination, understanding how medication affects your sleep, and recognising the link between sleep deprivation and mental health are all key steps toward better rest. With the clock change on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take control of your sleep habits and set yourself up for success.

If you continue to struggle with sleep despite making changes, don’t hesitate to ask for professional support. At The ADHD Centre, we offer assessments and evidence-based treatments to help you manage ADHD effectively. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to better sleep and improved well-being.

“The relationship between electronic media exposure and sleep disturbances represents a particularly significant challenge for contemporary youth with ADHD. Digital technology presents a perfect storm of sleep-disrupting elements for the ADHD brain: highly engaging content, blue light exposure that suppresses melatonin production, and unlimited availability. 

Research consistently demonstrates that screen time should be strictly limited to the hour before bedtime. This applies to all electronic devices, including televisions, computers, tablets, gaming systems, and smartphones. The stimulating content and blue light emission from these devices directly interfere with the brain's natural preparation for sleep.

Implementing effective technology boundaries requires whole-household commitment and often gradual implementation. Rather than viewing screens as categorically negative, parents can establish clear technology schedules that include designated "screen-free wind-down zones" before bedtime. 

For teens who may resist these limitations, education about the neuroscience of sleep and technology can create buy-in, particularly when they experience the benefits of improved sleep. Physical interventions like blue-light blocking glasses for evening use and device settings that automatically shift to warmer colour temperatures after sunset provide additional support. 

A gradual step-down approach often works better for children who strongly resist disconnecting from devices than abrupt removal. The bedroom should remain entirely technology-free, with alternate charging locations for mobile devices to remove the temptation for nighttime use. Even for children who use technology for relaxation, non-screen alternatives like audiobooks can provide similar content without the physiological arousal of screens.

Sleep needs, and effective routines evolve significantly across development. While younger children may benefit from storytelling and parental presence during a wind-down time, adolescents require age-appropriate modifications that respect their developing autonomy while maintaining structure. 

Research indicates that teens with ADHD face unique challenges, getting approximately 20% less sleep than recommended compared to 10% for neurotypical teens. Sleep routines for teenagers should acknowledge their biologically delayed sleep phase while still establishing healthy parameters. 

For instance, ADHD teen brains require eight to 10 hours of sleep nightly, meaning that with early school start times, they should aim for a 9 pm bedtime, though this often conflicts with their natural circadian preferences. Collaborating with teens to develop routines they feel invested in improves compliance and effectiveness.”

Our specialist psychiatrists and coaches provide evidence-based services, including ADHD diagnosis, medications, coaching, mindfulness, and educational support. With a focus on empowering people to reach their potential, we offer ongoing support beyond diagnosis. For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.adhdcentre.co.uk

The journey with ADHD can be challenging, but with guidance and resources, it’s possible to build a balanced, fulfilling life. Our free drop-in sessions are just one of the ways we continue to support you on this path, helping you strengthen skills and build resilience with the support of experts who understand the ADHD experience. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to a doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are never alone. 

Our highly experienced team is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD and how to manage it effectively and embrace some of its challenges. 

Book an ADHD assessment for an adult or a child HERE   

For more information on how we could help you: 

Call 0800 061 4276

Email enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk 

Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn

We often start the new year with big plans, but that initial drive can wane as January rolls on. If you have ADHD, this drop in motivation can feel even more pronounced.

If your resolutions are slipping, don’t worry, you’re not alone and haven’t failed. The key to making habits stick isn’t relying on motivation but building systems that work with your ADHD brain.

Motivation isn’t constant; it’s a feeling, and like all feelings, it comes and goes. In the early days of a new goal, excitement and novelty provide a natural boost. But as the routine settles in and the excitement wears off, motivation often takes a nosedive. This is normal for everyone but can be magnified with ADHD.

ADHD brains thrive on interest-based motivation. If something is stimulating or urgent, it captures attention effortlessly. But if a task feels repetitive, dull, or lacks immediate rewards, the ADHD brain struggles to engage. This is why New Year’s resolutions, like exercising regularly, sticking to a new schedule, or keeping a journal can feel easy at first and almost impossible after a few weeks.

1. Make It immediate and rewarding

The ADHD brain craves instant gratification. Long-term rewards (like being healthier in six months) don’t provide the dopamine boost needed to stay engaged. Instead, pair your habit with something that delivers an immediate reward.

Example: If you want to exercise more, listen to your favorite podcast or an audiobook you love but only while working out. This creates a reward loop that keeps you coming back.

2. Anchor new habits to existing routines

Starting a habit from scratch is hard, but linking it to something you already do makes remembering easier.

Example: If you want to take medication regularly, place it next to your toothbrush. You’re already in the habit of brushing your teeth, so linking the two helps reinforce the new habit.

3. Use external reminders

4. Reduce friction

The harder it is to do something, the less likely you are to do it. Make habits as easy as possible by removing obstacles.

Example: If you want to go to the gym in the morning, lay out your clothes the night before and keep your gym bag by the door. This reduces the effort needed to get started.

5. Embrace imperfection and keep going

ADHD brains tend to fall into all-or-nothing thinking and if you miss one day then it feels like the habit is ruined. But missing a day doesn’t mean failure. Expect setbacks and plan for them.

Example: If you forget to journal one night, pick it up again the next day. One missed day doesn’t erase progress. Have you always fancied the idea of starting a journal? Try this Journal app.

6. Make it social

Accountability can make a huge difference. Having someone else involved in your habit adds an extra layer of motivation. Find a workout buddy, join an online challenge, or tell a friend about your goal and ask them to check-in.

Example: If you want to read more, join a book club where you discuss your progress weekly.

7. Use a visual tracker

Seeing progress visually can be highly motivating. Use habit trackers, stickers, or apps to track daily success. Try Focus Bear, a habit tracker designed for people with ADHD.

Example: If you want to meditate daily, mark each completed session on a calendar. Seeing the streak grow makes it harder to break.

8. Adjust, don’t abandon

Motivation will come and go, but habits stick when you build the right systems. With ADHD, success isn’t about willpower, it’s about working with your brain and not against it. By making habits more engaging, easier to remember, and rewarding, you can stay on track even when motivation fades.

If you’re struggling with ADHD and habit formation, you’re not alone. The ADHD Centre offers support, coaching, and evidence-based treatment options tailored to your needs. Get in touch today to learn how we can help you build routines that work for you.

The journey with ADHD can be challenging, but with guidance and resources, it’s possible to build a balanced, fulfilling life. Our free drop-in sessions are just one of the ways we continue to support you on this path, helping you strengthen skills and build resilience with the support of experts who understand the ADHD experience. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or talk to a doctor if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, you are never alone. 

Our highly experienced team is on hand to provide expert insight, advice, support, and guidance on ADHD and how to manage it effectively and embrace some of its challenges. 

Book an ADHD assessment for an adult or a child HERE   

For more information on how we could help you: 

Call 0800 061 4276

Email enquiries@adhdcentre.co.uk 

Follow us on social media. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn