October is ADHD Awareness Month.
Discover the latest ADHD research findings for 2025. Learn about symptoms and how to offer support during ADHD Awareness Month.
October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to help people learn more about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Around 2.5 million people in England are believed to have ADHD, and many do not know they have it. New research from 2024-2025 highlights both the difficulties and the progress being made in understanding and supporting this neurodiversity.
ADHD is a brain condition that affects how people pay attention, sit still, and control impulses. It can also affect emotions and how people interact with others.
Most people think of ADHD as a problem for children who cannot sit quietly or focus in school, but ADHD can affect anyone – children, teens, and adults of any gender. Experts estimate that about 4% of adults around the world have ADHD.
Spreading awareness about ADHD is important because it helps remove negative stereotypes. Some think ADHD is just bad behaviour or poor discipline, but science shows it’s a complex condition with both genetic and environmental causes. When more people understand ADHD, it becomes easier to support and accept those who have it.
There is a myth that children with ADHD will just “grow out of it.” While some symptoms lessen as people get older, many adults still struggle with ADHD. This makes early diagnosis and support very important, both in childhood and later in life.
ADHD symptoms look different in children and adults. Here’s how it can show up:
These symptoms can make life more difficult at school, work, and home. Adults are also more likely to deal with other challenges like anxiety, depression, or substance use problems.
There are three main types of ADHD, and each comes with its own set of problems and strengths:
Also known in the past as ADD, this form involves trouble paying attention and staying on task. People with this type might:
This type is marked by extra movement and acting without thinking. Signs include:
Most people with ADHD have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. However, everyone’s experience is a little different. Symptoms can change with age, personality, and other factors.
Recent numbers show that between 3-5% of children and 2-3% of adults in the UK have ADHD. Yet, not enough people are getting diagnosed. As of 2024, NHS England reported over 549,000 children and adults waiting for ADHD assessments, and some could wait up to 8 years. The cost of undiagnosed ADHD to the UK is estimated at £17 billion each year.
New research from 2025 shows that the mind wandering often seen in ADHD might boost creativity. People who let their thoughts drift on purpose did better on creativity tests. This means that, with practice, people with ADHD may turn this trait into an advantage, helping shift how we see the condition.
A large study from Oxford University in 2025 looked at more than 14,800 adults and found that stimulants and atomoxetine are the most effective medicines for ADHD. Other recent studies from Sweden showed that ADHD medicines can reduce the overall risk of death by close to 19%, including lowering the risks of suicide and hospital stays. However, the medication route is not the only route to go when seeking support.
A big review by King’s College London checked data from 17 countries. They found no proof that ADHD is more common now than in 2020, even though more people are being diagnosed. This suggests ADHD was missed in the past, not that it’s being overdiagnosed now.
Research from 2024-2025 points to gender gaps in ADHD diagnosis. Prescription rates for girls aged 10-19 were up 208% from 2016 to 2024, but boys still get most prescriptions at that age. Girls are often diagnosed later and have to wait until symptoms are severe before getting help.
A study of over 2,200 adults found that ADHD symptoms are similar in men and women, but women tend to have more inattentive and hyperactive signs as adults, while men remember more symptoms from childhood. These details show why it’s important to look for ADHD symptoms across all genders.
Public talk about the link between ADHD and autism has grown since 2020. Many people with ADHD also deal with anxiety and depression. Experts say support should often involve a joined-up, team approach.
The Owl Centre studied over 6,000 people and found that 55% of adults with ADHD had trouble finding or keeping a job. Four out of five said they never got support or special help at work. In the UK, employers must make reasonable adjustments to support employees with ADHD.
Helpful changes at work might include quiet spaces, noise-reducing headphones, flexible deadlines, regular feedback, and clear planning tools. Investing in workplace support can boost productivity and save money for employers.
New studies show that adults with ADHD who eat healthy diets and get regular exercise have fewer symptoms. Nutritious diets and frequent physical activity can help improve attention and focus. Avoiding processed foods and sugars is also key.
Good sleep habits also matter. Sleep-focused programs have helped people with ADHD improve not only their sleep but also their memory and daily life. This shows how important it is to treat sleep issues as part of ADHD care.
ADHD can also come with other challenges, which can make support more complex. For example:
Managing all these conditions together is important, and may require a team including therapists and teachers. The home or school environment matters too – having clear routines and expectations can really help children with ADHD do better.
ADHD can cause challenges at school, including:
These issues can lead to struggles at school and feeling misunderstood or left out.
There is help available for students with ADHD:
Some families report that medicine can be helpful for reducing some ADHD symptoms. The most common medicines are stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, which help increase brain chemicals involved in focus and self-control.
Non-stimulant medicines such as Strattera and Intuniv can also be prescribed. Some people benefit from a combination of both types.
Some children also report that ‘they do not feel themselves’ on medication – so this is a personal decision that each family needs to explore, as well as making sure the dosage and type of medication is optimal. Bright Heart does not express an opinion on whether medication is the route to go, we only advise parents to observe and listen carefully to their children.
Behavioural therapy is another key tool; this can help with planning, organisation, and managing emotions or other conditions like anxiety. Healthy habits like exercise, good sleep, and eating well can also make a big difference.
Besides medication and therapy, there are natural ways to help people with ADHD.
Getting regular exercise can make a real difference for people. Moving your body helps boost dopamine in the brain, which supports better focus and attention. Staying active also lowers stress and anxiety, common issues for those with ADHD. Try to include some kind of physical activity on most days of the week.
Mindfulness and relaxation practices, like deep breathing or meditation, can teach people how to manage their thoughts and feelings. These techniques are helpful for reducing impulsive actions and calming the mind. They can also lower stress and make you feel better overall.
Spending time outdoors, sometimes called “green time”, is good for people. Being in nature, whether you’re hiking, gardening, or just watching the clouds, can ease symptoms and lift your mood. Taking a break from technology and screens by getting outside can help reduce overstimulation.
Studies find that people with ADHD might have lower levels of iron, zinc, and certain vitamins like C and B6. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and citrus fruits are rich in these nutrients. Adding them to your diet can support better thinking and focus.
Protein is important as it helps control blood sugar and boosts focus and concentration. Eating lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, eggs, or beans, at meals and as snacks can keep your energy steady and reduce hyperactivity.
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for brain health and may improve symptoms of ADHD. You can get omega-3s from foods like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Since some people with ADHD don’t get enough omega-3s, adding these foods or taking a supplement might be helpful.
It’s important to note that individuals with ADHD also have unique strengths. Many people with ADHD are creative, intuitive, and have a unique way of thinking. They may also excel in tasks that require high levels of energy and stimulation. It’s important to recognise these strengths and find ways to tap into them in everyday life.
Additionally, they often have strong empathy and emotional intelligence. They may be sensitive to the needs of others and can offer a different perspective on situations. It’s important for those with ADHD to embrace these strengths and use them to their advantage.
ADHD affects people of all genders, but is less likely to be noticed in girls and women. That’s because their symptoms can look different – maybe more daydreaming or talking a lot, and less obvious hyperactivity.
Because of these differences, girls and women may be diagnosed later or overlooked. Stereotypes and stigma about mental health can make it even harder for them to get help. Teachers and doctors should know what to look for so that everyone gets the support they need.
While more people are learning about ADHD, there’s still more to do. The future should include better access to support and a stronger understanding of how ADHD can look different in each person.
This means making sure schools and workplaces are supportive, and putting in place options for those with this neurodiversity.
At Bright Heart, we know students with ADHD can face extra challenges at school. We provide a welcoming, supportive place for every student. We offer personalised learning plans and have experienced tutors to help students with ADHD, using strategies that fit each student’s needs and strengths. For more information, get in touch with us.
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