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Adult ADHD Testing in Dubai

Are you seeking Adult ADHD Testing in Dubai?

Meet Dr Millia, a Psychiatrist for over 25 years trained in the British NHS Service. Dr Millia explains Adult ADHD in detail below including ADHD signs, ADHD symptoms, ADHD testing and ADHD treatment.

Undetected Adult ADHD in Dubai

Adult ADHD in Dubai often goes unrecognised or misdiagnosed. Many adults don’t realise they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder until well into their 30s, 40s, or even later.

Instead of classic hyperactivity, it may show up as restlessness, impulsivity, forgetfulness, poor time management, or mental burnout.

ADHD is frequently misunderstood, as social anxiety or stress, burnout especially in high-performing expats living in fast-paced cities like Dubai.

Adult ADHD Testing in Dubai

What is Adult ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that is present from birth.

How Does ADHD Affect Life

ADHD can affect:

  • Our ability to prioritise and regulate ourselves
  • Interfererence with time management, punctuality and focus on our jobs.
  • It can also make it harder to be present as a parent, make us prone to feeling overwhelmed with children, noise and demands.
  • Makes it harder to navigate multiple tasks, additional responsibilities, challenges, and life transitions.

Types of ADHD

  1. Inattentive Type
    Often quiet, dreamy, and easily distracted. May be missed or misjudged.
  2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
    Fidgety, loud, or always “on the go.” Tends to act without thinking.
  3. Combined Type
    A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive traits.

See below for details on both of these conditions.

ADHD Symptoms at a Glance

Inattention Symptoms

  • Frequently losing focus
  • Forgetting appointments or tasks
  • Difficulty finishing work or following steps
  • Easily distracted
  • Disorganised time or space

Hyperactivity Symptoms

  • Constant movement or restlessness
  • Talking excessively
  • Difficulty staying seated or quiet
  • Interrupting
  • Acting on impulse

Emotional Symptoms

  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
  • Low stress tolerance
  • Difficulty calming down
  • Emotional sensitivity or shame

ADHD SIgns in Adults

Many adults don’t realise they have ADHD until later in life.

Common adult ADHD symptoms include:

  • Chronic procrastination
  • Disorganisation
  • Difficulty in meetings or conversations
  • Forgetfulness
  • Emotional reactivity
  • Trouble with long-term planning or follow-through

Adults may also experience problems in relationships due to forgetfulness, impulsivity, or emotional intensity.

Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

We don’t fully understand all causes, but science points to:

  • Genetics (ADHD often runs in families)
  • Brain structure and development (some areas mature more slowly)
  • Brain chemistry (dopamine and norepinephrine are involved)

It is NOT caused by:

  • Bad parenting
  • Sugar or junk food
  • Too much screen time

These myths create shame and delay diagnosis. A structured, supportive environment can help manage symptoms, but it doesn’t “fix” ADHD.

ADHD Testing in Dubai: What to Expect

ADHD Testing is more than a checklist. It’s a compassionate exploration of your story, strengths, and challenges.

1. Comprehensive Clinical Interview

We explore your:

  • Birth and early development history
  • School experiences and academic functioning
  • Family mental health background
  • Current struggles at work or home

2. Standardised Questionnaires

You and others (parents, teachers, partners) may complete validated ADHD screeners. These help cross-check symptoms across contexts.

3. Additional Psychological Testing

If memory, learning, or emotional processing concerns arise, we may refer you to a clinical psychologist for further testing.

4. Diagnosis and Discussion

We explain:

  • Whether ADHD is present
  • What type you have
  • What treatment options may help

You can ask questions, process the results, and co-create a care plan.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Some clients seek an official diagnosis to validate their experience. Others want support, structure, or medication. We tailor care to your needs.

Common ADHD Support Options:

  • Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant types
  • Therapy: Supportive, EMDR, or Internal Family Systems
  • Coaching: Executive functioning, time management
  • Lifestyle changes: Exercise, sleep, routines, mindfulness
  • Family support: Parenting education, couples therapy

ADHD & Trauma

Trauma can also create ADHD-like symptoms, and distinguishing the two may need time, and checklist rating tools may not simply capture this. Internal Family Systems Therapy or IFS Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy or EMDR Therapy can help alleviate some of these symptoms. IFS Therapy can help assist in differentiating what is trauma-related and what is ADHD-related.

Related Topics of Interest

Book an ADHD Assessment at our Psychiatric Clinic in Dubai

Dr Millia

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