Do I Have ADHD? Signs & Self-Assessment

Have you ever wondered if your struggles with focus, organisation, or emotional overwhelm might be more than just a lack of discipline? You’re not alone and you're not imagining it.

Many people spend years feeling out of step with the world around them, often blaming themselves for things that may actually be signs of undiagnosed ADHD. If you’ve landed here, you might be starting to connect some of the dots. And that’s a powerful first step.

At Bright Star ADHD, we’re here to offer insight, support, and the space to explore whether ADHD could be part of your story, in a safe, non-judgmental way.

What is ADHD Really?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, emotion, energy, and everyday executive functions like planning, organising, and decision-making.

It’s not just about being “hyper” or “distracted.” ADHD can show up in all sorts of ways — many of them subtle, especially in adults and women, and often misunderstood.

ADHD doesn’t mean you’re lazy or careless. It means your brain works differently — and it deserves to be understood, not criticised.

The Three Types of ADHD

There are three primary presentations of ADHD:

1. Inattentive type (formerly called ADD):

   • Forgetfulness

   • Difficulty staying focused or following instructions

   • Disorganisation

   • Trouble with time management

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive type:

   • Restlessness

   • Interrupting others or blurting things out

   • Fidgeting or being constantly on the move

   • Difficulty relaxing

3. Combined type:

   • A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

Many people with ADHD don’t appear outwardly hyperactive. In fact, especially in women and girls, symptoms may be more internalised or masked.

Signs You Might Have ADHD as an Adult

While every experience is different, some of the more common ADHD traits in adults include:

• Struggling to stay focused on routine or “boring” tasks

• Being forgetful or regularly losing things

• Feeling mentally scattered, overwhelmed, or constantly behind

• Starting multiple projects but rarely finishing them

• Being impulsive in speech, spending, or decision-making

• Finding it difficult to manage emotions or stress

• Constantly feeling like you’re underachieving, even when working hard

• Alternating between bursts of intense energy and complete exhaustion

If you see yourself in some of these, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD but it might be worth looking into more deeply.

Why ADHD Often Goes Unnoticed

For years, ADHD was believed to mainly affect young boys who were visibly hyperactive. Because of this outdated stereotype, many people - especially women - were completely missed.

You may have been:

• Masking your symptoms to fit in

• Misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression

• Told to “try harder” or “just get organised”

• Praised for being busy or overachieving, while quietly burning out

ADHD often shows up internally in adults: as overwhelm, emotional sensitivity, exhaustion, or feeling like you're always a few steps behind.

The good news is once you understand what’s going on, things can get better.

Start With Our Free ADHD Pre-Assessment

If you’re starting to connect with what you’ve read so far, the best next step is to take our free, confidential ADHD pre-assessment.

This short online form helps identify whether your experiences are consistent with common ADHD patterns. You’ll receive instant results, and if it looks like you might benefit from a formal assessment, we’ll get in touch with next steps.

Take the Free ADHD Pre-Assessment

There’s no pressure or obligation — just an invitation to learn more about yourself.

What’s Involved in an ADHD Assessment?

A full ADHD assessment is a detailed, structured conversation designed to understand your unique experience. At Bright Star, our assessments are warm, thorough, and led by a Clinical ADHD Nurse Specialist. Whether in person or online, we create a space where you can speak openly and feel heard.

We use recognised diagnostic tools, review your developmental and health history, and offer a comprehensive clinical report that can support onward care through the NHS, your GP, or workplace if needed.

Learn more about what’s included here:ADHD Assessments at Bright Star

What If I Want Treatment?

Many people find that a diagnosis alone brings relief, clarity, and a greater sense of self-understanding. For others, it’s the first step in creating a supportive treatment plan.

At Bright Star, we offer a range of follow-up options, including:

• Medication support guided by an experienced nurse prescriber

• Ongoing reviews to monitor progress and adjust where needed

• Shared care agreements to help you access medication through the NHS

• Holistic resources for emotional and practical support

Medication isn’t the only option and we’ll never pressure you into it. Our role is to give you the information, support, and space to decide what’s right for you.

Learn more here:Medication & Support Options

What If I Don’t Want Medication?

That’s absolutely okay.

Many people benefit from alternative or complementary approaches, such as:

• Mindfulness and meditation

• Sensory regulation techniques

• Coaching, therapy, or peer support

• Lifestyle adjustments tailored for neurodivergent minds

At Bright Star, we’re in the process of expanding our non-medical offerings, including guided meditations, ADHD-specific resource packs, and referral pathways for therapeutic support.

Stay connected with us to hear when these options go live.

Want to Speak With Someone?

We’re here to help.

Email: brightstaradhd@gmail.com Call or Text: 07765 637944

At Bright Star, we believe in holding space for your questions, your story, and your next steps, whatever they may be.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. When you’re ready, we’re here to walk beside you.