ADHD Therapy in the UK: Understanding the Rise in Diagnoses and How Psychotherapy Can Help

ADHD Therapy in the UK: Understanding the Rise in Diagnoses and How Psychotherapy Can Help

In recent years, the diagnosis of ADHD in the UK has grown rapidly, sparking both awareness and misunderstanding. While more people are finally receiving the recognition and support they need, many still struggle with the emotional and psychological effects that come with late diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or stigma. At Eleos Counselling in West Sussex, we offer compassionate psychotherapy to help adults and young people manage the challenges of ADHD and build a more grounded, confident life.

The Rising Awareness and Diagnosis of ADHD in the UK

Across the UK, ADHD diagnoses have increased sharply over the past decade. A growing body of research and media coverage has led to greater understanding of how the condition affects people beyond childhood. Adults who once felt misunderstood are now recognising that their long-standing difficulties with focus, organisation, or emotional regulation may, in fact, be part of a neurodevelopmental difference rather than a personal failing.

According to data from NHS Digital, referrals for ADHD assessments have more than tripled since 2020. This surge reflects not only better awareness but also social changes — including the impact of remote working, which has made concentration difficulties more visible. While this increased recognition is positive, it can also bring frustration. Long waiting lists, inconsistent access to support, and public confusion about what ADHD truly means often leave people feeling isolated or invalidated.

At Eleos Counselling, we recognise how distressing that can be. Our work helps clients explore what an ADHD diagnosis means to them — beyond labels or stereotypes — and supports the development of emotional insight, self-acceptance, and practical strategies for daily life.

Understanding ADHD Beyond the Stereotypes

For many years, ADHD was narrowly defined by hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour in children, often boys. However, the current understanding shows that ADHD presents in many different ways — sometimes subtle, sometimes masked by coping mechanisms that hide underlying struggles.

Many adults discover their ADHD after years of feeling “different” or “not good enough.” They might recall teachers calling them disorganised or forgetful, partners labelling them unreliable, or workplaces penalising them for what they later learn are symptoms of a neurobiological condition.

ADHD affects far more than attention. It influences emotional regulation, time perception, motivation, and self-esteem. Some people experience intense emotions, a restless mind, or a tendency to hyperfocus on certain interests while struggling with routine tasks. Others may feel anxious, exhausted, or disconnected because they’ve spent years trying to fit into environments that weren’t designed for neurodivergent minds.

Understanding this difference — rather than pathologising it — can be deeply healing. Psychotherapy creates space to explore identity, grief for missed recognition, and the emotional fatigue of trying to mask or overcompensate.

How Psychotherapy Can Help People with ADHD

Medication can be helpful for many individuals, but it’s not the whole picture. Psychotherapy for ADHDprovides a safe and reflective space to understand your patterns, develop emotional awareness, and build practical strategies that work with your brain rather than against it.

At Eleos Counselling, we offer a tailored approach grounded in compassion and self-understanding. Our therapists are experienced in supporting neurodiverse clients and draw upon years of experience helping individuals navigate perfectionism, shame, and self-criticism — common experiences among those with ADHD.

Psychotherapy can help by:

• Building self-compassion: Many people with ADHD internalise harsh criticism. Therapy helps replace self-blame with understanding and acceptance.
• Improving emotional regulation: Sessions can help identify emotional triggers and develop strategies to manage overwhelm and frustration.
• Developing structure and focus: Working collaboratively, we can explore personalised ways to improve organisation, time management, and motivation.
• Healing past wounds: For some, the journey includes processing childhood experiences of misunderstanding or rejection.
• Enhancing relationships: Therapy supports clearer communication and empathy, reducing conflict and helping partners or family members understand ADHD’s impact.

By exploring the emotional side of ADHD, psychotherapy supports long-term wellbeing and personal growth — not just symptom management

The Emotional Cost of Late Diagnosis

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can be both a relief and a challenge. While it often explains years of difficulty, it may also bring grief for missed opportunities or regret for times when self-doubt dominated.

Psychotherapy provides a compassionate environment to process these emotions. Clients often explore themes such as:

• “Why didn’t anyone notice sooner?”
• “How might my life have been different if I’d known?”
• “What do I do with this new understanding of myself?”

These are powerful and deeply human questions. Therapy doesn’t rush to fix them but allows time to make sense of what has been lost, what can still be reclaimed, and what it means to live authentically with ADHD.

At Eleos Counselling, we believe that every person deserves to feel seen and understood — not judged by old assumptions or narrow definitions

Psychotherapy vs. Coaching for ADHD

While ADHD coaching focuses on external skills like planning and productivity, psychotherapy explores the emotional and relational layers underneath those challenges. It’s about understanding how past experiences, self-image, and internal dialogue shape behaviour.

For example, someone who continually misses deadlines might appear “lazy” or “disorganised” but is, in reality, paralysed by fear of failure or rejection. Psychotherapy helps uncover these deeper patterns and develop a kinder, more flexible way of being.

Take the First Step

You don’t have to face loneliness or mental health struggles alone. Seeking help is not weakness—it is an act of courage. If you’re ready to talk, Eleos Counselling is here to support you.

Contact Eleos Counselling today:
📞 Landline: 01403 900079
📱 Mobile: 07854 602050
📧 Email: info@eleoscounselling.com
🏡 Address: Eleos Counselling, Little East Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9NP
🌐 Website: www.eleoscounselling.co.uk

Your wellbeing matters. Together, we can work to reduce loneliness and support stronger mental health for men across West Sussex.

References

1. The King’s Fund (2024). Adult ADHD: assessments, diagnosis data, and service provision.
   🔗 https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/reports/adult-adhd-assessments-diagnosis-data-service-provision

2. ADHD UK (2023). ADHD diagnosis rate in the UK.
   🔗 https://adhduk.co.uk/adhd-diagnosis-rate-uk/

3. NHS Digital (2025). Management Information (MI) – ADHD.
   🔗 https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mi-adhd/may-2025

4. ADHD UK (2023). About ADHD.
   🔗 https://adhduk.co.uk/about-adhd/

5. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR, 2023). Significant rise in ADHD diagnoses in the UK.
   🔗 https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/significant-rise-adhd-diagnoses-uk

6. Raman, S. et al. (2022). The epidemiology of ADHD medication use in the UK: a population-based study. BMC Psychiatry / PubMed Central (PMC9553294).
   🔗 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9553294/

7. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS). ADHD: Background information – Prevalence.
   🔗 https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/background-information/prevalence/

8. Wikipedia (referencing meta-analyses). Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
   🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult_attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder

9. ADHD Evidence Project (2023). UK nationwide population study finds ADHD associated with reduced life expectancy.
   🔗 https://www.adhdevidence.org/blog/uk-nationwide-population-study-finds-adhd-associated-with-reduced-life-expectancy

UK-wide / National Organisations

• ADHD UK — national charity offering resources, advocacy, support communities. ADHD UK

• AADD-UK / UK Adult ADHD Network — supports adults with ADHD, hosts local support groups. ukaan.org+1

• ADDISS (National Attention Deficit Disorder Information & Support Service) — information, helpline and resources for ADHD across the UK. addiss.co.uk

• ADHDadultUK — peer-led support and coaching for adults with ADHD across the UK. ADHD Adult UK+1

• ADHD Foundation — provides resources and support for children and adults with ADHD, campaign & training. ADHD Foundation

• ADHD Aware — Brighton-based charity offering peer support locally and online (for adults, partners, parents). ADHD Aware

• Centre for ADHD & Autism Support (CAAS) — based in North West London, offers support for ADHD & autistic individuals in that region. Centre for ADHD and Autism Support

• The Brain Charity — based in Liverpool but serving UK-wide via helplines: offers counselling, peer support, group therapy for ADHD. thebraincharity.org.uk

 Subnational / Local & Regional Support Groups

These are smaller, local groups that operate in specific towns, counties or cities:

• Bristol Adult ADHD Support Group — peer support in Bristol. nhs.uk

• Cambridgeshire Adult ADHD Support Group — local support group in Cambridgeshire. ukadhd.com

• ADHD Brighton Support Group — local support in Brighton area. ukadhd.com

• The Hyperactive Children’s Support Group (Chichester) — local support group in Chichester. ukadhd.com

info@eleoscounselling.co.uk