Get Control of Your ADHD

ADHD

Also called Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Adult ADHD, ADHD in men, Late-diagnosed ADHD

3 min plan51 min with every studyUpdated Sep 27, 2026

Who it's forA man who has always been distracted, disorganized or restless, and wonders if it is ADHD.

When to see a doctor

On an ADHD medicine: new anxiety, irritability or low mood, a racing or irregular heartbeat, hearing or seeing things, or new tics: call the doctor or urgent care right away.
Before any ADHD medicine, tell the doctor about fainting or breathlessness on exercise, chest pain, sudden racing palpitations, a heart murmur, high blood pressure, or a relative who died suddenly under 40. A heart specialist sees you first.
A high, wired, sleepless spell or losing touch with reality: stop the ADHD medicine and see the doctor now. It is restarted only after the episode has passed.
Low mood, no interest or no enjoyment most of the day for more than 2 weeks: see your doctor. Low mood can look like ADHD, and often comes with it.
Worry you cannot control, most days: see your doctor.
Heavy drinking or drug use: tell the doctor, and get it treated alongside the ADHD. If you drink heavily every day, get medical help before you stop.
Loud snoring, gasping or stopping breathing in sleep, and tired all day: ask about sleep apnea. It causes poor concentration that can look like ADHD.
Anxious, shaky and on edge, with weight loss, a fast heart and feeling hot: ask for a thyroid blood test.
Poor concentration after coming off anabolic steroids: tell the doctor. It is a known withdrawal symptom.
Attention trouble that began after a head injury, or only started in adult life: tell the doctor. ADHD starts in childhood, so other causes are checked.
If ADHD or its medicine affects your driving, in the UK you must tell the licensing agency.

I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. This is self-education. Every dose on this page is the one a trial or a label used, quoted from the source. It is not a prescription. ADHD medicines are started only by a specialist who has your history.