Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment in Hanover and Throughout Germany

Specialized Support for Inattention, Impulsivity & Inner Restlessness

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not just a childhood condition. In adulthood as well, inattention, impulsivity, and inner restlessness continue to shape the lives of many people affected by ADHD. At our specialist medical practice in Hanover, we offer comprehensive ADHD diagnostic assessments and individualized treatment plans designed to improve your quality of life in a lasting and meaningful way.

Female specialist physician in conversation with a patient during ADHD diagnostics and treatment for adults in Hannover

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobiological disorder affecting the brain’s functioning. It is characterized by altered information processing between different regions of the brain, with the neurotransmitters Dopamine and Norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) playing a central role. This can impair the ability to regulate attention, behavior, emotions, and impulses.

Many adults with ADHD have learned to compensate for their symptoms over the years, a phenomenon often referred to as “masking.” As a result, the diagnosis is frequently made only when increasing demands at work or within the family exceed the effectiveness of these coping strategies. Studies indicate that approximately 2.5% to 4.5% of all adults in Germany are affected by ADHD.

Further evidence-based information about ADHD is available from adhs-netz, a central information network at the University of Cologne supported by the Federal Ministry of Health.

Difference Between ADD and ADHD

While Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often associated with pronounced physical hyperactivity (the classic “fidgety” presentation), Attention Deficit Disorder—the predominantly inattentive presentation without significant hyperactivity—is characterized primarily by daydreaming, distractibility, and slower information processing. This form is frequently overlooked in adults, particularly in women, who are less likely to present with overt hyperactivity.

Typical Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

Inattention and concentration problems

Affected individuals are easily distracted, make careless mistakes, and have difficulty completing tasks they have started. Staying focused on boring or repetitive activities is extremely challenging.

Inner restlessness and hyperactivity

While children often show this through physical restlessness such as running around, hyperactivity in adults is usually expressed as a distressing inner restlessness, constant finger tapping, or a feeling of being driven that makes relaxation almost impossible.

Impulsivity and emotional dysregulation

Sudden outbursts of anger, impulsive decisions, or interrupting others during conversations are typical. Emotions are often experienced more intensely and are more difficult to regulate.

Problems in work, daily life, and relationships

Procrastination, poor time management, and forgetfulness lead to chronic overwhelm at work. In relationships and family life, affected individuals are often perceived as unreliable—even though an underlying neurological impairment is the cause.

Co-occurring conditions in ADHD

A depression in patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can also manifest as profound emotional exhaustion, as the constant compensation for inattention requires a tremendous amount of mental effort. At the same time, many patients develop pronounced anxiety disorders, particularly social anxiety or generalized fear of failure, driven by concerns about forgetting important details or reacting impulsively in social situations. In our practice in Hanover, we therefore place great emphasis on a detailed diagnostic assessment in order to specifically address and resolve these interacting conditions in therapy.

Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are often under constant high tension, as the brain’s ability to filter stimuli is impaired. Coping with everyday life therefore requires an extremely high level of energy, which in the long term can lead to chronic stress and frequently trigger a burnout syndrome. This deep exhaustion results from the continuous overload of executive functions. In our practice in Hanover, we support you in breaking this cycle through targeted stress management and ADHD-specific strategies.

In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there is an increased risk of substance use disorders, as many affected individuals unconsciously attempt to alleviate their symptoms through “self-medication.” Whether nicotine, alcohol, or cannabis, these substances are often used to stop racing thoughts or reduce inner restlessness. However, this short-term relief quickly leads to dependency, which can worsen ADHD symptoms in the long term. In our practice in Hanover, we sensitively incorporate this aspect into both diagnosis and treatment in order to help patients develop healthy strategies for impulse control and emotional regulation.

Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may also present with obsessive-compulsive symptoms or personality-related difficulties. These can develop as secondary coping strategies to compensate for disorganization, impulsivity, or emotional instability. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms often emerge as an attempt to create structure and control in daily life, while personality-related patterns may reflect long-term adaptations to chronic stress and emotional dysregulation. In our practice in Hanover, we carefully differentiate between these conditions in order to develop an individualized and targeted therapeutic approach.

💡Reading tip: Depression often occurs as a co-occurring condition in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Learn more about the interaction between these conditions: (Post is in work)

ADHD & Depression

Causes and Risk Factors of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is highly heritable and results from an interplay of genetic predisposition, neurobiological differences in brain function and neurotransmitter systems, and—to a lesser extent—environmental factors.

Genetic predisposition

  • Highly heritable
  • ~50% risk if one parent is affected
  • Diagnosis often made after the child’s diagnosis

Changes in Brain Metabolism

  • Reduced dopamine availability
  • Altered activity in the frontal brain regions
  • Impaired attentional control
  • Difficulties with impulse control

Influence of Environmental Factors

  • Premature birth
  • Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy
  • Birth complications
  • Rarely a sole cause

When should an ADHD diagnostic assessment be carried out?

Warning signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adulthood:

If you constantly feel “different,” are unable to reach your full potential despite your intelligence, or suffer from chronic everyday disorganization, a specialist assessment is advisable. A diagnosis is not a label—it is the key to effective treatment.

1

Feeling “Different”

You feel “different” and have felt misunderstood for a long time.

2

Unrealized Potential

Struggling in your career or studies despite having high intelligence.

3

Chronic Everyday Chaos

Lost keys, forgotten appointments, and unpaid bills.

4

Recurring Setbacks

Ongoing issues in professional life, university, or vocational training — potentially leading to job loss.

5

Strained Relationships

Relationships affected by forgetfulness, mood swings, and impulsivity.

Forest path as a symbol of the journey toward ADHD diagnostics and successful treatment for adults in Hannover

Self-Help for ADHD: Practical Strategies for Everyday Life

  • Established Routines: Consistent daily schedules reduce the load on executive functions.
  • Break Tasks Down: Divide large projects into small 5-minute steps.
  • Low-Stimulation Workspace: Noise-cancelling headphones, no push notifications.
  • Pomodoro Technique: 25-minute blocks with short breaks help maintain focus.
  • External Reminders: Calendars, alarms, and to-do apps as reliable support tools.
  • Mindfulness & Meditation: 10 minutes daily improves impulse control and self-regulation.
  • Regular Exercise: Endurance training works like a natural Ritalin.
  • Stable Nutrition: Proteins, complex carbohydrates, and omega-3s for stable blood sugar.
  • Restorative Sleep: Sleep deprivation worsens all ADHD symptoms — a fixed bedtime helps.
  • Open Communication: Loved ones understand symptoms rather than assuming bad intent.
  • ADHD Coaching & Support Groups: Exchange with others affected and individualized everyday strategies.
  • Emotional Self-Regulation: Breathing exercises and consciously naming emotions.

These practical strategies do not replace professional medical treatment — they complement it. Multimodal approaches that combine self-help, psychoeducation, behavioral therapy, and, where appropriate, medication show the best long-term results for adult ADHD.

ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment at Our Practice

The focus of our practice is on thorough diagnostics based on the current gold standard and a tailored, multimodal treatment approach. We support you conveniently via video consultation.

🎥 Learn more about video consultations

Secure · Discreet · Accessible from anywhere

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD in Adults

Answers to the most common questions about ADHD diagnostics and treatment in adulthood.

No. ADHD always begins in childhood — even when the diagnosis is only made later in life. In adulthood, symptoms often become apparent only when demands increase to the point where years of compensatory strategies (“masking”) are no longer sufficient.

Methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are commonly used. Medication is not mandatory — many people benefit significantly from psychoeducation, behavioral therapy, and coaching alone. However, in cases of severe symptoms, medication can provide noticeable relief.

When there is a medically justified suspicion, statutory and private health insurers generally cover both the specialist diagnostic assessment and the subsequent treatment, including medication. We are happy to clarify the details during the initial consultation.

A thorough ADHD assessment usually spans several appointments and includes a clinical history, questionnaires, testing procedures, and differential diagnostics. A reliable diagnosis cannot be made in a single 30-minute appointment — patience at this stage pays off later on.

Seek Professional Help

The first step is the bravest one. We will guide you on your personal journey toward greater clarity, structure, and quality of life — confidentially, competently, and with empathy.

📅 Book an Appointment