The inaugural ADHDadultUK ‘State of the Nation’ survey captures the lived experiences of adults with ADHD in the UK. We feel that it is crucial for understanding the challenges, needs, and successes of our community.
The full survey report is available below and is free to download and distribute.
Appendix I details the methodology used, and Appendix II has the full results of the thematic analysis, including direct quotes from survey respondents.
The report highlights the realities faced by individuals navigating life with ADHD in the UK, offering insights into the impacts on health, relationships, work, education, and more.
We hope the findings of the report will help us advocate for improved awareness, resources, and support systems.
For media enquiries, please contact us here.
Survey Appendices
Direct Quotes from Thematic Analysis
Out of 1,440 survey respondents, 756 people shared additional comments. The full analysis with direct quotes can be found in Appendix II.
We analysed these responses and identified several key themes:
- Challenges with Healthcare Access and Support
- Workplace and Education Struggles
- The Impact of Stigma
- Mental Health and Co-Occurring Conditions
- The High Cost of ADHD Support
What Did People Say in Their Own Words?
Theme 1 – Healthcare
“I waited three years for an NHS appointment, only to be told I didn’t meet the criteria because my symptoms weren’t ‘severe enough.’”
“My doctor told me ADHD doesn’t really exist in adults and that I just needed to ‘get more organised.’”
“It felt like the system gave up on me after my diagnosis. They said, ‘Here’s your prescription, good luck,’ and that was it.”
Theme 2 – Workplace and Education
“After I told my employer about my ADHD, I noticed I was being given fewer responsibilities as if I wasn’t capable.”
“I work twice as hard as everyone else to hide my ADHD, but it’s exhausting and unsustainable.”
“When I finished university, it was like the safety net disappeared. I had no idea how to cope in a workplace.”
Theme 3 – Social Stigma and Public Perception
“Even my GP told me ADHD isn’t a real issue for adults—it was incredibly disheartening.”
“It’s exhausting having to prove my struggles are real when everyone assumes ADHD is just an excuse for being disorganised.”
“The media needs to stop portraying ADHD as a joke—it’s a real condition with real consequences.”
Theme 4 – Mental Health and Co-existing Conditions
“I’ve spent years being treated for depression, but it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with ADHD that everything made sense.”
“The constant struggle to meet basic expectations left me feeling like a failure—I was drowning in anxiety before my diagnosis.”
“Self-harm became my outlet for the frustration I felt because I couldn’t control my impulses or emotions.”
Theme 5 – Lack of Affordable ADHD Management Resources
“Therapy is too expensive, and the NHS didn’t offer anything beyond medication, so I’m stuck.”
“I feel like I’m being punished for not being able to pay for the support I need.”
“The ADHD community on Facebook has been my lifeline, but it’s not a substitute for real help.”