Recently the question of whether ADHD is being overdiagnosed has become a frequent topic in the media. Coverage in the general public often suggests that ADHD diagnoses are increasing rapidly and implies that clinicians may be medicalising normal variations in attention or behaviour. An often overlooked consequence of the “overdiagnosis” narrative is the impact it can have on people who are trying to make sense of lifelong difficulties. Many adults who seek assessment describ

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has recently published a position statement on menopause and mental health , highlighting something many clinicians have long observed in practice: the menopause transition can have a significant impact on psychological wellbeing. For many women, perimenopause is associated with changes in mood, sleep, cognition and emotional regulation. Anxiety and depressive symptoms may emerge for the first time, or previously stable mental health conditi

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, sensory processing, flexibility of thinking and the way individuals experience the world. Although commonly identified in childhood, many people reach adulthood without receiving a diagnosis. In recent years, more adults have begun to recognise autistic traits in themselves, often after years of feeling different, misunderstood or chronically overwhelmed. Increasing awareness has helped many

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, organisation, emotional regulation and impulse control. Although often associated with childhood, ADHD frequently persists into adulthood. For many people, it is only recognised later in life, sometimes after years of wondering why everyday tasks feel disproportionately difficult. In recent years, awareness of adult ADHD has increased. However, understanding rema

Many women reach adulthood feeling that life is simply harder for them than it seems to be for others. They may describe themselves as “too sensitive”, “lazy”, “disorganised”, or “emotionally intense”. Some have spent years moving in and out of mental health services with diagnoses such as anxiety or depression that never quite explain the whole picture.

Across the UK, more adults than ever are seeking assessment for autism and ADHD. Waiting lists are long, symptoms are often misunderstood, and many people reach adulthood having spent years trying to make sense of difficulties with focus, social communication, executive functioning, overwhelm, emotional regulation or burnout.

Deciding to pursue an assessment for ADHD or autism can feel like a significant step. Many people come to Effra Clinic after years of wondering why certain aspects of everyday life feel more difficult, or after recognising themselves in descriptions of ADHD or autism later in adulthood.