Empower Your Academic Journey with Mentalwell's ADHD Assessment Service
Students
Welcome to Mentalwell's specialised ADHD assessment service for students. If you suspect you may have ADHD, our clinicians are here to provide expert support tailored to academic life.
Many students discover ADHD during secondary school, college, or university, when academic demands increase and difficulties with focus, organisation, and time management become more noticeable.
Why Mentalwell?
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Timely access to ADHD assessments helps students gain clarity and access support that can improve academic performance and well-being.
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Receive care from clinicians who specialise in ADHD and understand the unique challenges faced by students.
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We recognise that ADHD affects many areas of student life — from studying and deadlines to mental health, motivation, and daily routines. That’s why our platform provides holistic support and additional resources.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how different areas of the brain develop and communicate. ADHD always begins in childhood, but many students are not diagnosed until academic demands increase.
This article aims to explain ADHD in students, how it affects learning, the UK diagnostic process, and the types of support available.
Which ADHD Symptoms Are Students More Likely to Experience?
Adults with ADHD may experience inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms that interfere with academic functioning and daily life.
Inattentive symptoms may include:
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Difficulty focusing in lectures or studying
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Careless mistakes in coursework
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Not finishing assignments
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Poor organisation
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Avoiding revision or long study sessions
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Losing important items
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Being easily distracted
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Forgetfulness
How Common is ADHD in Students in the UK?
ADHD affects around 3–5% of young people and persists into adulthood for many. A significant number of students remain undiagnosed.
Female students and high-achieving students may be especially underdiagnosed due to more subtle or inattentive symptoms.
How is ADHD Diagnosed for Students in the UK?
ADHD diagnosis is carried out by clinicians experienced in neurodevelopmental conditions. At Mentalwell, all of our ADHD assessors are experienced psychiatrists providing professional, knowledgeable and supportive consultations.
The process usually includes:
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A detailed clinical interview
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Review of childhood history
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Standardised questionnaires and rating scales
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Assessment of current academic and life impact
There is no single test for ADHD. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
How is ADHD Treated in Students?
There is no cure for ADHD, but it is highly treatable. At Mentalwell, treatment is tailored to each individual and supported through a personalised treatment plan designed to provide continuity of care and long-term support.
Medication:
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Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can significantly improve focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation for many adults. Where appropriate, Mentalwell supports patients through a structured titration process, with dedicated titration appointments and close monitoring to optimise dosage, manage side effects, and assess effectiveness over time.
Psychological Support:
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CBT and ADHD-specific coaching can help develop strategies for organisation, time management, emotional regulation, and academic challenges. These approaches can be used alongside medication or as part of a broader, non-medication support plan.
Ongoing Clinical Support and Monitoring:
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Beyond assessment, Mentalwell provides ongoing clinical oversight throughout the treatment period. This includes regular reviews, monitoring of treatment effectiveness, and access to the clinical team for support and adjustments as needed, helping ensure care remains safe, effective, and aligned with each patient’s goals.
Academic Support:
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Students may be entitled to reasonable adjustments, such as extra time, quiet rooms, or flexible deadlines following a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Possible Complications and Side Effects of Treatment
ADHD medications can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite or sleep difficulties. Clinicians closely monitor treatment and adjust as needed.
Outlook for Working Professionals with ADHD
With the right support, many students with ADHD succeed academically and develop effective coping strategies.
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Untreated ADHD can increase the risk of:
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Academic underachievement
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Stress and burnout
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Anxiety or low mood
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Low self-esteem
However, students with ADHD often bring strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and high energy.
A Note from Mentalwell
If you're struggling with focus, organisation, or managing academic demands, an ADHD assessment can provide clarity and support.
We’re here to help you understand your brain, access the right support, and build strategies to thrive in your studies.
What is ADHD in Students?
ADHD affects executive functions — the mental skills responsible for attention, organisation, planning, impulse control, emotional regulation, and motivation.
For students, this may impact:
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Studying and revision
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Meeting deadlines
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Concentration in lectures
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Organisation of coursework
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Managing time and workload
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Emotional regulation and stress
There are three main presentations of ADHD: (1)predominantly inattentive, (2)predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, and (3)combined.
Symptoms must be present for at least six months, have started in childhood, and cause significant difficulties in academic and daily functioning.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms may include:
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Restlessness
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Difficulty sitting through long lectures
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Feeling constantly on the go
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Talking excessively
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Interrupting others
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Impulsive decision-making
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Difficulty waiting or being patient
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD has a strong genetic basis and is considered a form of neurodivergence.
Differences in brain development, neurotransmitter systems, and executive functioning contribute to ADHD symptoms.
Living Well with ADHD as a Professional
If you suspect ADHD, you can seek a private assessment or speak to your GP for an NHS referral.
If diagnosed, your support plan may include:
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Medication (if appropriate)
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Study strategies
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Ongoing clinical support
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Written resources
