top of page

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Private treatment, support and therapy in London for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterised by a number of chronic issues, including trouble paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive conduct.

ADHD can cause unstable relationships, poor work or performance, low self-esteem, and a variety of other issues. People with ADHD may appear agitated, have difficulty concentrating, and act on impulse.

young adult male looking distracted while in a lecture at university

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?


Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterised by a number of chronic issues, including trouble paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive conduct.


ADHD can cause unstable relationships, poor work or performance, low self-esteem, and a variety of other issues. People with ADHD may appear agitated, have difficulty concentrating, and act on impulse.


Almost everyone experiences ADHD-like symptoms at some point in their lives. If your symptoms are new or have only happened sporadically in the past, you are unlikely to have ADHD. Only when symptoms are severe enough to cause problems in more than one area of your life is ADHD diagnosed.


Children and adults with ADHD may have trouble focusing and prioritising, which can lead to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social activities. The inability to manage impulses can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from irritation when waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and angry outbursts.


Receiving an accurate diagnosis as early as possible can go leaps and bounds in helping individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms effectively for the best possible outcomes later in life.


Because certain ADHD symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be difficult. Many adults with ADHD also suffer from other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.


Three primary types of ADHD may be diagnosed, and knowing which one you have is crucial to getting the correct treatment.


  • Hyperactive and Impulsive - If you have hyperactive ADHD you feel compelled to move constantly, talk nonstop, interrupt others, blurting out replies, and lack self-control

  • Inattentive - Previously known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). You have trouble sustaining concentration, following specific directions, and coordinating tasks and activities, and making careless mistakes. You have a poor working memory, are quickly distracted by outside stimuli, and frequently misplace items.

  • Combined - You have symptoms of inattention as well as symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.


What are the most common symptoms of ADHD?


There isn't a single test that can be used to determine if you have ADHD. Instead, health professionals establish what symptoms you have, how many you have, when they began, how long they've been present, and how severe they are.


Your health professional will also take into account if ADHD is having impact on your employment, relationships, or other significant aspects of your life. Your health professional will also want to rule out any other illnesses and determine if you have multiple disorders. If you have ADHD or ADD, you may experience difficulties with:


  • Disorganization and prioritisation issues

  • Time management issues, difficulty focusing on a task, and multitasking issues

  • Excessive activity or restlessness are two examples of excessive activity

  • Low tolerance for frustration due to poor planning

  • Mood fluctuations that occur frequently

  • Concentrating and finishing assignments

  • Complying with directions

  • Anger issues

  • Coping with stress and anxiety

  • Agitated or impatient

  • Risk-taking and impulsiveness

  • Struggles with social contact or relationships


If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you can quickly access adult ADHD assessments at our leading London mental health clinic. Learn more about adult ADHD assessments hereWe also offer ADHD assessments for children and teens.

finger on a smart phone touch screen

If you're looking for ADHD therapy or support, please reach out to our caring team in London today. We have appointments available in as little as 24 hours so you can begin treatment with minimal wait.


To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply fill out our online pre-screening questionnaire at any time to suit you.

Helping you to overcome the challenges associated with ADHD


To improve your ADHD symptoms, you may do a lot on your own. Simple measures can help you achieve your goals, such as:


  • Exercise burns off energy and releases beneficial brain chemicals like serotonin, which can help you concentrate.

  • Relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can help to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, as well as the anxiety and depression that might accompany it.

  • Eating healthy, nutritious food at regular times. Don’t go too long between meals. Don't eat junk food because, according to some experts, food additives, may exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.

  • Take efforts to improve your sleep quality. Maintain a consistent night routine, limit caffeine, switch off technology early, and keep your bedroom dark.


It's important to remember that ADHD does not go away by itself. If your symptoms are severe and your life is being disrupted, try to seek professional help as soon as possible.


What therapies are best for ADHD?


  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps you acquire new behavioural patterns and reduces any unhelpful behaviours. CBT modifies your thought processes to help you modify your behaviour.

  • Schema therapy - The fundamental causes of poor behaviour, low self-esteem, and anxiety are addressed in schema therapy. Schema therapy can help you get a deeper understanding of your prior experiences so you can start dealing with them more positively.

  • Psychotherapy - People who get psychotherapy can learn to recognise their anxiety patterns and battle them by reframing their thinking and practising healthy practices.


Aspects of therapy include:

  • Creating activities and experiences that are both positive and enjoyable

  • Changing distorted, mostly pessimistic mental processes

  • Improving interpersonal bonds through practising social skills and re-establishing social relationships

  • (Re)establishing social ties

  • Creating problem-solving strategies

  • Physiotherapeutic and sports therapy interventions

  • Mindfulness


Art and creative therapy for people with ADHD


Treatments that incorporate the use of arts-based activities such as painting, music, or theatre in a therapeutic environment with the support of a certified practitioner are known as art and creative therapies.


Participating in these activities doesn't require any prior knowledge or skill.


People with ADHD can benefit from art and creative therapy to enhance problem-solving abilities, attention, communication, and other parts of their lives, resulting in decreased impulsivity, distractibility, and anxiety.


Does group therapy help ADHD?


One or two therapists teach people with ADHD about life with the disorder in a group therapy session. Multiple people gather in group therapy to talk about their experiences with ADHD.


People with ADHD can benefit from this type of therapy because they can acquire methods and coping skills from other people who have the same problem. By meeting others in similar situations, it can also help to alleviate some of the sense of isolation they may be feeling.

Full diagnostic ADHD assessments for children and adults in London

If you're looking for a full and comprehensive ADHD assessment, for a child, teen or adult, then look no further than Schoen Clinic Chelsea. We offer diagnostic ADHD assessments with our specialist Consultant Psychiatrists so you can rest assured you're in the best hands possible.


Learn more about our ADHD assessments in London today!

Meet our team of dedicated ADHD specialists in London


If you need an ADHD diagnosis our team at Schoen Clinic Chelsea is here to help. If you have a new or existing diagnosis and would like support to help navigate living with ADHD, our team offers a range of one-to-one and group therapies to help.


Self-funding patients can usually begin treatment within a few days.


Contact our bookings team directly on 020 3146 2300 or email che-privateenquiries@schoen-clinic.co.uk to find out more.


Learn more about the team below or get in touch to book your appointment today.

Dr James Woolley

Consultant Psychiatrist | ADHD Specialist

Dr James Woolley

Dr Margherita Tanzarella

Consultant Psychiatrist | ADHD Specialist

Dr Margherita Tanzarella

Dr Gil Myers

Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr Gil Myers

Darja Lee

Integrative Psychotherapist

Darja Lee

Dr Rashmi Verma

Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr Rashmi Verma

Isabelle Nussbaum

Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Isabelle Nussbaum

Dr Edel McAndrew

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Dr Edel McAndrew

Magdalena Garcia

Clinical Psychologist & Integrative Psychotherapist

Magdalena Garcia

Dr Tara Tofiq

Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist

Dr Tara Tofiq

Evangelia Mylona

Psychotherapist

Evangelia Mylona

Dr Daniel Masud

Consultant General & Addictions Psychiatrist | ADHD Specialist

Dr Daniel Masud

Dr Lorena Dumitrache

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Dr Lorena Dumitrache
Using a Touch Phone

Get in touch

  • LinkedIn

Thanks for reaching out, we'll be in touch soon!

bottom of page