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  • ADHD in Adults - Symptoms, Diagnosis & Assessment

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What Are The Signs of ADHD in Adults?

Challenges in maintaining attention

You may find it difficult to stay focused on tasks, especially if they're long, repetitive, or unstimulating.

Being Easily 
​distracted

External sounds, conversations, or even your own thoughts can quickly pull your attention away from tasks.

Challenges with organisation

Keeping track of appointments, tasks, or responsibilities might feel chaotic or overwhelming for you.

Being
​Forgetful

You may regularly forget names, dates, or everyday tasks, even things you were just thinking about.

Challenges with following instructions

You might miss details or lose track partway through conversations or directions.

A tendency to lose belongings

Keys, phones, wallets, common items can often seem to vanish or get misplaced.

Appearing not 
​to listen

Others may feel you're ignoring them, your mind may simply be somewhere else.

A need to move and fidget about

You may find yourself tapping, shifting, or needing to stand, sitting still feels uncomfortable.

A tendency to interrupt
​others​

You might jump into discussions or finish others’ sentences, even when trying not to.

Often loud or generally noisy

You may speak loudly, make impulsive noises, or struggle to tone down your energy.

Challenges with waiting their turn

Patience can be hard, whether in queues, conversations, or decision-making.

Excessive movement 
​or gesturing

You may feel constantly in motion or restless, even when you're meant to be calm.

Challenges in maintaining attention

You may find it difficult to stay focused on tasks, especially if they're long, repetitive, or unstimulating.

Being Easily 
​distracted

External sounds, conversations, or even your own thoughts can quickly pull your attention away from tasks.

Challenges with organisation

Keeping track of appointments, tasks, or responsibilities might feel chaotic or overwhelming for you.

Being
​Forgetful

You may regularly forget names, dates, or everyday tasks, even things you were just thinking about.

Challenges with following instructions

You might miss details or lose track partway through conversations or directions.

A tendency to lose belongings

Keys, phones, wallets, common items can often seem to vanish or get misplaced.

Appearing not 
​to listen

Others may feel you're ignoring them, your mind may simply be somewhere else.

A need to move and fidget about

You may find yourself tapping, shifting, or needing to stand, sitting still feels uncomfortable.

A tendency to interrupt
​others​

You might jump into discussions or finish others’ sentences, even when trying not to.

Often loud or generally noisy

You may speak loudly, make impulsive noises, or struggle to tone down your energy.

Challenges with waiting their turn

Patience can be hard, whether in queues, conversations, or decision-making.

Excessive movement 
​or gesturing

You may feel constantly in motion or restless, even when you're meant to be calm.

The Different Types of ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a lifelong condition that affects how people manage their attention, focus, and sometimes their level of activity or impulse control. It’s important to know that these differences are present from birth and are caused by natural variations in how the brain develops. ADHD is very common, and every individual’s experience with it is unique.

Combined Type
Inattentive Subtype
Hyperactive Subtype
Combined Type

ADHD Combined Type

This type of ADHD includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. People with Combined Type may find it hard to focus, follow through on tasks, stay organised, or manage time effectively - while also experiencing restlessness, impulsive decision-making, or difficulty sitting still.


Understanding this presentation can be an important step in managing its impact on your daily life, work, and relationships. At West Oak Clinic, we're here to help you gain clarity and find tailored support that fits your needs.

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Inattentive Subtype

ADHD Inattentive Subtype

This subtype of ADHD is characterised primarily by difficulties with attention, focus, and organisation. People with inattentive ADHD may appear forgetful, easily distracted, or struggle to follow through on tasks - especially those that are repetitive or mentally unstimulating.


Unlike the hyperactive type, high energy or impulsivity may not be prominent day-to-day, which can make this presentation harder to recognise. However, its impact on daily functioning can still be significant.

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Hyperactive Subtype

ADHD Hyperactive Subtype

This subtype is marked by high physical energy, restlessness, and a constant drive to move or act. Individuals may talk excessively, find it difficult to sit still, or act impulsively - often speaking or doing things without pause for reflection.


As people grow older, outward hyperactivity may appear to lessen, but the mental restlessness and fast-paced thinking often remain. These impulsive behaviours can sometimes pose challenges in daily life, relationships, and work settings.

Understanding this presentation is key to learning how to manage it effectively - and we’re here to help.

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Why?

There are many reasons why you might choose to have an ADHD assessment. A diagnosis can offer valuable insight into how your mind works, helping you better understand your unique traits and the challenges you may face. It can also open the door to a greater sense of self-understanding.

Our team is friendly, knowledgeable and fully qualified to deliver high-quality assessments tailored to your individual needs.

During Assessment

Our comprehensive assessment process is thoughtfully designed to provide you with clarity, confidence and a clear sense of direction. From the moment you attend your initial consultation, we take the time to understand your needs, concerns and goals. 

We guide you through each stage with care, delivering tailored recommendations to support your next steps and informed decisions.

What's Next ...

For many people, going through this process brings a deep sense of relief and recognition. It helps put past experiences into context and can provide a new perspective on how to approach work, relationships, and daily life.



A formal diagnosis can lead to personalised support and helpful resources. Most importantly, it can help you feel understood  moving forward.

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Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

This describes the natural variety in how people’s brains work. We are all part of neurodiversity.

Neurotypical

Refers to people whose brains function in ways that are considered typical or expected by society.

Neurodevelopmental Condition

This refers to certain patterns of brain development that differ from the neurotypical majority, such as ADHD, autism, or developmental language disorder (DLD).

Neurodivergent:

An umbrella term for people whose brains function differently from the neurotypical majority. This can include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, DLD, & more.

''ADHD isn't a deficit. It's a gift. The gift has its challenges, and we have to work around those challenges, but it isn't a pathology.'' - Jonathan Mooney

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Taking the first step towards understanding and managing neurodiversity can change how someone develops. At West Oak Clinic, we're here to support you with compassionate, professional care.

No Referral Needed

Flexible Scheduling

Expert Clinicians

Confidential Support

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Your Questions, Answered.

What happens if I am not given a diagnosis?

In some cases, the outcome of an adult assessment is that ADHD is not diagnosed. Human experiences are complex, and the difficulties you’re facing may be linked to other factors - such as past trauma, a learning difference, or a history of head injury - that can contribute to similar challenges. Some individuals show traits related to ADHD, but their overall profile does not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis.

During your feedback meeting, we’ll discuss our findings in detail and, where appropriate, guide you toward other possible explanations and support options. Our aim is to help you move forward with greater clarity and access to the right resources.

How can I request an assessment?

Currently, West Oak provides ADHD assessments for adults through private funding arranged directly by you. We also accept insurance funding where applicable. Assessments include both in-person and online elements; fully remote assessments are not offered.

Will West Oak provide ADHD medication?

West Oak does not currently offer a medication service. If you are exploring the option of medication, we encourage you to speak with your GP, who can refer you to your local NHS specialist team for further support.

Is it possible to have an online only assessment for ADHD?

At West Oak, we do not currently offer ADHD assessments entirely online. While the initial history-taking session can be conducted remotely, you will need to attend one of our clinics in person for the one-to-one assessment.

Unsure Whether to Book?


You may not yet know if you should have a full assessment. Some people find talking to a professional in the first instance can help with this decision. Click below to find out more.

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