What the Latest ADHD Research Is Really Telling Us

Why support can’t wait — and what the data now proves

There’s been a flood of new research into ADHD this year. Some of it hopeful. Some of it quietly devastating. None of it surprising if you’ve been living it.

This isn’t about awareness anymore. It’s about what happens when you wait too long to get diagnosed.

When you’re stuck in a system that isn’t built for your brain. When the workarounds stop working around.

Here’s what 2025 research is telling us, clearly, about ADHD. And why better support is long overdue.

1. Medication doesn’t just improve focus. It reduces risk.

A landmark Swedish study tracking over 145,000 people with ADHD found that medication dramatically reduced life-disrupting risks:

• 17% lower chance of suicide-related behaviour

• 15% less risk of substance misuse

• 12% fewer transport-related accidents

• 25% drop in repeat criminal offences

These aren’t minor outcomes.

This is about staying alive, staying employed, staying out of crisis.

ADHD medication, when prescribed and monitored correctly, is doing far more than helping people “pay attention.”

Source: Karolinska Institute, 2025. Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Coverage via The Guardian

2. ADHD may shorten life expectancy — especially for women

A recent UCL study found that undiagnosed or unmanaged ADHD can reduce life expectancy by 4.5 to 11 years.

Women, in particular, face worse outcomes — often due to later diagnoses and being mislabelled as anxious, disorganised, or emotional.

This isn’t alarmism.

It’s the cumulative toll of burnout, poor sleep, shame, financial instability, and untreated co-occurring conditions.

Source: University College London (2025). Findings via ucl.ac.uk

3. Insomnia is wrecking quality of life — and often ignored

Sleep issues are common in ADHD. But a 2025 study from BMJ Mental Health shows insomnia isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a major factor in poor life satisfaction among ADHD adults.

Lack of sleep worsens executive dysfunction.

It increases emotional volatility.

And it often gets left out of treatment plans entirely.

Source: BMJ Mental Health, 2025. Coverage via Times of India

4. The UK diagnosis backlog is beyond broken

According to NHS England data published in March 2025:

• 68.5% of adults referred for ADHD assessment have been waiting over 12 months

• Only 9% receive a diagnosis within 13 weeks

• And the backlog is growing, not shrinking

Behind every one of those numbers is a person spiralling.

Delayed diagnosis means delayed support — which can mean lost jobs, failed relationships, mental health collapse, or worse.

Source: UK Parliament ADHD FAQ, March 2025

5. The economic cost of ignoring ADHD: £17 billion per year

The Independent ADHD Taskforce released a brutal estimate in 2025:

Untreated ADHD is costing the UK economy £17 billion annually — through lost productivity, absenteeism, NEET rates, healthcare pressure, and criminal justice.

And yet, ADHD support is still viewed as optional.

Still not funded properly.

Still subject to scepticism and stigma.

Source: NHS England, Independent ADHD Taskforce report (2025)

6. AI is improving diagnosis — faster, cheaper, more accurate

A new deep-learning model using EEG data hit a 0.9 F1 score in identifying ADHD from brainwave patterns.

That’s huge — not just medically, but practically.

If scaled properly, it means faster diagnosis with fewer bottlenecks and less human bias.

It’s early days. But this could shift the entire system.

Source: arXiv preprint, Dec 2024

7. Hormonal shifts massively amplify symptoms — and barely anyone talks about it

If you menstruate, chances are your ADHD symptoms get worse premenstrually — and again, almost no clinicians are trained to spot or support this.

It’s not minor. It’s not rare. It’s structurally overlooked.

If you feel like you’re a different person week to week, you’re not imagining it.

Source: Verywell Mind, 2025

Final thought

None of this is new to the people living it.

But now we have the data. The evidence. The patterns.

ADHD is not rare.

It’s not quirky.

And it’s not being handled properly — in schools, in workplaces, in healthcare, or in the creative industries where it quietly thrives and implodes at the same time.

If you’re still waiting for a diagnosis: I see you.

If you’re stuck in the spiral: there is support.

The ADHD Paradox: Why Adland's Biggest Strength Is Also Its Hidden Struggle

The advertising and marketing industry—or "Adland" as we often call it—thrives on creativity, energy, and unconventional thinking. It's a haven for those who think differently, who challenge the status quo, who see the world through a kaleidoscope of ideas. It's no surprise then that individuals with ADHD are drawn to this field. In fact, people with ADHD are twice as likely to be employed in advertising or marketing compared to other occupations.

But here's the paradox: while ADHD can fuel incredible innovation in marketing and advertising, it also brings unique challenges. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the creative industry can be a breeding ground for burnout, stress, and mental health struggles. And for those with ADHD, these struggles can be amplified.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The statistics paint a stark picture of the ADHD paradox in the creative industry:

• 640,000 neurodivergent employees work in the UK's creative economy, representing approximately 20% of the neurodivergent workforce.

• 70% of neurodivergent employees in the UK are currently suffering from mental health issues.

• 50% of neurodivergent employees feel burned out from work, compared to 38% for neurotypical employees.

• 57% of neurodivergent employees live payday to payday, compared to 34% of neurotypical employees.

• People with ADHD are 5-10 times more likely to have alcohol addiction than those without ADHD.

The High Cost of Ignoring ADHD

These statistics highlight the high cost of ignoring ADHD in the workplace. Without the right support, the very qualities that make ADHD individuals thrive in the creative industry—their creativity, energy, and out-of-the-box thinking—can also lead to their downfall. Burnout, addiction, financial struggles, and even suicide are a stark reality for many.

A Call for Change in the Advertising and Marketing Industry

The advertising and marketing industry needs to wake up to the needs of its neurodivergent workforce. We need to create a culture of understanding, acceptance, and support for ADHD employees. We need to provide the tools and resources that empower individuals with ADHD to harness their strengths and navigate their challenges.

This means:

• Recognizing the signs of ADHD: Educating managers and HR professionals about the common traits and challenges associated with ADHD.

• Providing accommodations: Offering flexible work arrangements, quiet workspaces, and other accommodations that can help individuals with ADHD thrive.

• Promoting mental health and well-being: Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health and seeking support.

• Investing in ADHD coaching and training: Providing access to specialized coaching and training programs that can help individuals and teams manage ADHD effectively.

Fuelled By ADHD: Empowering Neurodiversity in the Creative Industry

Fuelled By ADHD is here to answer that call. We offer coaching, training, and support for individuals and teams to thrive with ADHD in the advertising and marketing industry.

We help you:

• Unlock your potential: Improve focus, productivity, and time management.

• Navigate the chaos: Enhance communication, organisation, and stress management skills.

• Fuel your success: Learn to harness your unique ADHD strengths like entrepreneurialism, creative thinking, and curiosity.

It's time to break the stigma, embrace neurodiversity, and create a workplace where everyone can flourish.

Contact us today.

Why ADHD Minds Thrive in Advertising and Marketing

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of advertising and marketing, ADHD minds have a natural advantage. Their unique neurodiverse traits—such as heightened creativity, relentless curiosity, and the ability to think unconventionally—align perfectly with the demands of the industry. From crafting innovative campaigns to exploring emerging trends, ADHD professionals bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a fearless approach to problem-solving.

With the right support, these individuals can harness their exceptional talents to drive impactful results, turning what some may view as challenges into superpowers that propel brands to new heights.

Why ADHD Minds Thrive in Advertising and Marketing

1. Creativity: ADHD professionals often excel at out-of-the-box thinking, making them ideal for generating fresh campaign ideas and creative problem-solving. According to a 2018 study published in *Neuropsychologia*, individuals with ADHD show higher levels of divergent thinking, which is critical for creativity and innovation.

2. Curiosity: A natural inquisitiveness drives ADHD individuals to explore trends, technologies, and consumer behaviours, staying ahead of the curve. This constant drive for novelty and improvement can translate to groundbreaking marketing strategies.

3. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Impulsivity, when channelled correctly, can lead to bold risk-taking and innovation. Research by the University of London indicates that individuals with ADHD are three times more likely to engage in entrepreneurial ventures due to their risk tolerance and high energy levels.

Challenges to Consider

While ADHD traits align beautifully with the industry, challenges such as time management, distractibility, and burnout can create roadblocks. For example, a survey by the ADHD Awareness Coalition found that 70% of ADHD adults struggle with meeting deadlines, which can affect team dynamics if not addressed effectively.

How Employers Can Foster ADHD Success

Embrace Flexibility: Offer flexible deadlines and remote working options to accommodate different working styles.

Encourage Breaks: Create an environment where taking short, restorative breaks is normalised to prevent overwhelm.

Provide Tools: Equip teams with tools like project management software, task prioritisation frameworks, and ADHD-friendly planners. A 2020 study in *Journal of Occupational Therapy* highlights that adaptive tools significantly improve productivity for neurodiverse employees.

Provide Support: Invest in training and support, such as coaching, for your ADHD colleagues and their teams so they can better understand how to manage and work with the unique attributes that ADHD brains bring to the team.

Conclusion

ADHD isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength when supported effectively. By understanding the unique potential of ADHD minds, advertising and marketing organisations can foster innovation, inclusivity, and success.

Ready to empower your ADHD talent? Speak to us about our tailored coaching and training programmes.

ADHD in Advertising: and How to Work With Your Brain, Not Against It

Advertising moves at 100mph. Your ADHD brain moves at 1,000mph – just not always in the direction you need it to. If you’ve ever felt like you’re brilliant but inconsistent, creative but chaotic, and ten steps behind but three steps ahead at the same time… welcome.

You’re not lazy, disorganised, or incapable. Your brain just works differently, and no amount of colour-coded to-do lists or time-blocking is going to change that. But what will change that? Strategies that actually work for you, not the productivity gurus with their rigid morning routines and single-tasking advice.

The Traditional Productivity Lie

Let’s be honest – traditional productivity hacks are designed for neurotypical brains. The entire concept of ‘just prioritise better’ assumes your brain processes tasks in a linear, logical way. But ADHD brains don’t work that way. Instead, we experience:

Time Blindness – Everything is either ‘now’ or ‘not now.’ Deadlines sneak up on us, and time slips away without warning.

Task Paralysis – Ever stared at your to-do list and felt physically unable to start anything? Welcome to ADHD purgatory.

Dopamine Dependence – If a task isn’t interesting or urgent, our brain refuses to engage with it.

Traditional productivity advice doesn’t work because it assumes intention equals action. But with ADHD, just wanting to do something doesn’t make it happen. Our brains need the right activation strategy.

How to Work With (Not Against) Your ADHD in an Agency

1. Turn Deadlines Into Dopamine

Your ADHD brain thrives on urgency. Without pressure, tasks get mentally filed under ‘later’ (aka: never). Instead of waiting for the panic of an actual deadline, create artificial urgency:

Fake Clients: Set ‘pre-deadlines’ and tell someone (a colleague, your coach) to hold you accountable.

Race Against the Clock: Use a timer to gamify tasks (e.g., ‘How much can I get done in 20 minutes?’).

Public Stakes: Tell your team you’ll deliver by X time, so now your reputation’s on the line.

2. Decision-Free Days

Agencies love ‘pivoting.’ Great for strategy, terrible for ADHD brains. Every decision we make drains mental energy, which means by 3 PM, we’re fried. Reduce this by assigning default days:

Monday = Pitch Decks & Presentations

Tuesday = Admin & Project Management Tasks

Wednesday = Brief Writing

This stops you from wasting brainpower deciding what to do next and creates a rhythm your brain can rely on.

3. Use Task Switching (Properly)

ADHD brains crave novelty, which is why forcing yourself to ‘focus’ for hours on one thing is torture. Instead of fighting it, use task switching to your advantage:

Alternate between deep work and shallow tasks (e.g., 30 minutes on a big project, 10 minutes answering emails).

Rotate between tasks that require different kinds of thinking (e.g., numbers vs. creativity).

Use movement breaks to reset your focus (a quick walk, stretching, etc.).

This stops your brain from shutting down when it gets bored while keeping you moving forward.

Why ADHD Coaching is the Cheat Code You Need

You don’t need another planner. You don’t need another app. What you do need is a system that actually works for how your brain functions. That’s where ADHD coaching comes in.

• No generic advice. Just ADHD-friendly strategies that make agency life easier.

• Practical systems, not productivity porn. Because no one in advertising has time for that.

• One-to-one support. Because ADHD is messy, and you need solutions that fit you, not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ method.

If you’re drowning in deadlines and distractions, let’s fix that. Book a 1-2-1 ADHD coaching session and start working with your brain, not against it.

5 ADHD Traits That Make Great Creative Leaders & How to Support Them

Creative leadership requires bold vision, innovative thinking, and adaptability—qualities that ADHD professionals often embody. But how do you help them navigate the challenges that come with ADHD?

In this blog, we’ll explore five ADHD traits that drive exceptional creative leadership and offer strategies for overcoming potential pitfalls.

1. Hyperfocus and Visionary Thinking

Strength: ADHD leaders can achieve deep focus on passion projects, driving big-picture innovation. Hyperfocus, a common ADHD trait, allows individuals to dive deeply into tasks they’re passionate about, often producing exceptional results.

Challenge: Hyperfocus can lead to neglecting smaller tasks or losing track of time. According to research from *Attention Deficit Disorders Journal*, 65% of adults with ADHD report difficulty shifting focus once engrossed in a task.

Solution: Encourage delegation and project management tools to balance priorities. Tools like Trello and Asana can help maintain a big-picture view without losing track of details.

2. Resilience

Strength: ADHD professionals are often highly resilient, bouncing back quickly from setbacks. This resilience makes them adept at navigating the high-pressure environment of advertising and marketing.

Challenge: Rejection sensitivity can make receiving feedback difficult. A 2019 study published in *Psychiatry Research* found that rejection-sensitive dysphoria affects over 50% of adults with ADHD.

Solution: Provide constructive feedback in private and emphasise strengths alongside areas for improvement.

3. Divergent Thinking

Strength: ADHD leaders excel at generating unconventional ideas, a key asset for creative industries. Their ability to see connections others might miss can lead to groundbreaking campaigns.

Challenge: Impulsivity can lead to risky decisions. While risk-taking can drive innovation, it must be balanced with careful consideration.

Solution: Create a culture of collaborative decision-making, where bold ideas are refined through team discussions.

4. Energy and Drive

Strength: Boundless energy can inspire and motivate teams, fostering a culture of enthusiasm and productivity.

Challenge: Burnout can occur without boundaries. ADHD professionals often overcommit due to their enthusiasm, leading to exhaustion.

Solution: Support work-life balance by promoting mindfulness practices and encouraging scheduled downtime.

5. Adaptability

Strength: ADHD leaders thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments. Their ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances makes them invaluable in dynamic industries.

Challenge: Multitasking can dilute focus and increase errors.

Solution: Use prioritisation tools and encourage single-tasking to ensure quality over quantity.

Conclusion

Great creative leaders don’t follow the rules; they rewrite them. By embracing the unique strengths of ADHD professionals and supporting their challenges, you can empower leadership that drives exceptional results.

Discover how our group coaching and training programmes can develop your team’s creative leadership potential.

Mastering Time Management with ADHD in Advertising and Marketing

Time management in advertising and marketing is chaos at the best of times. Tight deadlines, constant creative demands, shifting client priorities—it’s enough to throw even the most organised person off track. But for those of us with ADHD, it’s an entirely different beast. Planning ahead? Sounds nice in theory. Time perception? Practically non-existent. Productivity systems? Designed for neurotypicals.

In an industry that thrives on last-minute changes, fast turnarounds, and back-to-back meetings, traditional time management advice falls flat. But that doesn’t mean managing your time is impossible—it just means you need strategies that actually work with the way your brain functions. Here’s how to get control of your workload without fighting against your own mind.

1. Break Projects into Micro-Steps (Not Just Smaller Tasks)

Big projects can feel like an insurmountable wall, especially when ADHD paralysis kicks in. The key? Don’t just “break them into smaller steps”—shrink them down to micro-steps that remove all barriers to getting started.

Instead of “Write campaign proposal,” break it down even further:

Step 1: Open a blank Google Doc. That’s it.

Step 2: Write the title of the proposal.

Step 3: Jot down three key bullet points.

Step 4: Take a five-minute break before moving to the next section.

This removes the overwhelming pressure of tackling a big, undefined task and replaces it with a sequence of bite-sized, low-stress actions. ADHD brains thrive on momentum—once you start, it’s easier to keep going.

2. Time-Blocking That Works for ADHD Brains

The problem with traditional time-blocking is that it assumes you know exactly how long a task will take. Spoiler: most ADHD professionals don’t. You either severely underestimate (cue last-minute panic) or massively overestimate (cue procrastination because “there’s loads of time”).

A better approach? Flexible time-blocking:

Assign a theme for each part of your day instead of rigid task slots (e.g., “Mornings = Deep Work, Afternoons = Meetings & Admin”).

Use buffer zones between tasks to allow for inevitable overruns.

Block out “Oh Sh*t” time every afternoon for urgent, unexpected tasks.

If you get stuck on a task, swap it with another time block instead of staring at a blank screen in frustration.

Time-blocking should create structure, not add pressure. Make it work for you, not against you.

3. The Digital Tools That Actually Help ADHD Professionals

There are a million productivity apps out there, but not all of them are ADHD-friendly. The best ones take decision fatigue out of the equation and reduce the mental clutter of tracking tasks.

Here’s what actually works in the madness of advertising and marketing:

Todoist – Simple, intuitive task lists with recurring reminders so things don’t get forgotten.

Motion – Uses AI to schedule tasks dynamically, so you don’t have to guess how much time you need.

Notion – A life-saving tool for storing scattered ideas, campaign notes, and client details in one place.

Clockify – Helps you track how long tasks actually take so you can plan better in the future.

The key is automation—set up reminders, recurring tasks, and notifications so you don’t have to rely on memory alone.

4. The ADHD-Friendly Alternative to the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro technique (25-minute work sprints followed by short breaks) is widely recommended for ADHD, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. If traditional Pomodoros feel too rigid, try these variations:

Reverse Pomodoro – Start with a 5-minute warm-up task to ease into focus before the 25-minute sprint.

Task-Based Pomodoro – Instead of a timer, work in bursts until you complete a specific micro-task, then take a break.

Body-Doubling Pomodoro – Work alongside someone (virtually or in person) for external accountability.

Experiment with different methods until you find what keeps you engaged without adding pressure.

5. Managing Meetings (Without Your Brain Drifting Into Space)

Meetings in advertising are often long, chaotic, and filled with vague discussions that could have been an email. For ADHD professionals, they can be a complete black hole for attention and time.

Here’s how to survive them:

Set an intention before the meeting. (What do you actually need from this?)

Ask for a written agenda beforehand. (Less chance of zoning out when you know what’s coming.)

Use fidget tools discreetly. (Keeps your hands busy so your brain can stay engaged.)

Summarise your key actions before leaving. (Or they’ll evaporate from memory before you hit your desk.)

If meetings are stealing too much of your time, push for async updates where possible.

6. Scheduling Breaks (Because Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honour)

People in advertising love to wear burnout like it’s some sort of medal. It’s not. ADHD brains are prone to burning bright, then burning out—especially when hyperfocus kicks in.

If you wait until you “feel like” taking a break, you’ll forget. Instead:

Set non-negotiable break reminders.

Have low-effort reset activities planned (e.g., 5-minute walks, listening to music, stretching).

Create end-of-day rituals so work stops bleeding into personal time.

Breaks aren’t lost time—they keep you functional.

Final Thoughts

Time management in advertising and marketing is messy, even more so with ADHD. But with the right systems, it doesn’t have to be an impossible battle.

If you’ve been struggling to stay on top of deadlines, avoid burnout, or find productivity strategies that actually work for you, ADHD coaching might be the missing piece. Our coaching and training is built specifically for ADHD professionals in high-pressure creative industries—because you don’t need more generic advice, you need strategies that actually fit your brain and your job.

How the UK Access to Work Scheme Can Help People with ADHD (Including Free ADHD Coaching).

Navigating the workplace with ADHD can feel like an uphill battle. Deadlines, distractions, and office dynamics can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, the UK government’s Access to Work scheme is here to help. It’s designed to support people with disabilities and health conditions, including ADHD, so they can thrive at work. And yes, that includes funding for coaching—essentially offering free ADHD coaching in the UK for eligible individuals.

What Is the Access to Work Scheme?

Access to Work is a government programme that provides grants to cover the costs of practical support in the workplace. It’s not just about helping you do your job; it’s about levelling the playing field. The support offered is tailored to your specific needs and could include:

Specialist equipment or assistive software

Travel costs if public transport isn’t a viable option

A support worker or job coach to help with day-to-day tasks

It’s all about ensuring that a health condition or disability doesn’t hold you back in your career.

How Can ADHD Coaching Help?

If you’ve got ADHD, you’ll know that it’s not just about being a bit forgetful or easily distracted. ADHD impacts how you organise your time, focus on tasks, and manage stress—all crucial skills in the workplace. This is where ADHD coaching can make a world of difference.

ADHD coaching focuses on practical strategies to help you:

Stay organised

Manage your time more effectively

Improve focus and productivity

Build confidence in your abilities

Through Access to Work, you could receive funding to cover the costs of coaching sessions. This means you could benefit from personalised, professional support without having to worry about the expense.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to people in England, Scotland, and Wales who:

Have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work

Are aged 16 or over

Are in, or about to start, paid employment (this includes self-employment)

If you’re in a voluntary role, unfortunately, you won’t be eligible. But for those in paid work, the scheme could be a game-changer.

How to Apply for Access to Work

The application process is straightforward:

Start Your Application: Apply online or call the Access to Work helpline. Be ready to provide details about your job, your condition, and the support you think you need.

Assessment: An adviser will assess your situation to work out what kind of help would suit you best. This might include funding for ADHD coaching.

Get Your Support in Place: Once approved, you can arrange the support you’ve been allocated—and start seeing the benefits.

Why ADHD Coaching Matters

ADHD coaching isn’t just about learning to cope; it’s about unlocking your potential. With the right strategies, you can build confidence, manage your workload more effectively, and even start to enjoy your job again. Coaching can help you:

Develop greater self-awareness

Break down big tasks into manageable steps

Learn techniques to manage stress and stay motivated

By using the Access to Work scheme, you can access this invaluable support without dipping into your own pocket.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re struggling at work and think ADHD coaching could help, don’t wait. The Access to Work scheme could provide the support you need to excel in your career. Visit the Access to Work website to find out more and start your application today.

Free ADHD coaching in the UK is within reach—and it could make all the difference.