Man diagnosed with ADHD at 38 shares addictions that many with condition don't realise they have

A man who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later on in life has revealed the hidden condition many might not realise they have.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that often causes a lack of concentration, high energy levels and forgetfulness, with symptoms usually presenting themselves in childhood, according to the NHS.

More and more people think they have it, with a reported 4.2 per cent increase in ADHD diagnoses in the UK from 2014 to 2023/24.

Mental health educator Thomas Kossak was diagnosed quite late at 38, and has revealed what the 'real struggle is' apart from the usual symptoms.

"Most people think ADHD is just distraction or chaos," the author said in a recent Instagram post.

"But the real struggle is the silent addictions we build just to function."

There is an estimated three million people in the UK with ADHD (Getty Stock Images)

Kossak says people with ADHD develop 'silent addictions' just to feel balanced, and most don’t even realise they’re doing it.

These can look like constantly seeking small dopamine hits, getting stuck in overthinking, chasing crises for motivation or feeling emotions more intensely than others.

It can also show up as sugar cravings, endless scrolling, escaping into fantasy worlds or getting caught in shame spirals.

The neurodevelopmental condition often causes a lack of concentration (Getty Stock Images)

And according to Kossak, these habits aren’t signs that someone is weak or broken. They’re signs of a brain that has been operating in survival mode for a long time.

When people finally recognise these patterns, the truth can hit harder than expected — but it can also be incredibly validating.

Although there are no cures for ADHD, medication, lifestyle improvements, environmental supports and therapy can certainly help.

Thomas Kossak was diagnosed with ADHD later on in life (Getty Stock Images)

Mollie Bloom, a mum from East Sussex, previously told LADbible that since she started taking Concerta (a tablet form of methylphenidate) in July, it has helped her symptoms massively.

"It’s not the case for many people, and I am fully aware of how lucky I am that it has worked for me," she admitted.

"But there are other types of medication. It doesn’t have to be a stimulant medication. There’s slow release versions of nonstimulant medication."

"My advice is just treat yourself as an individual. If the first one doesn’t work, there are always options for others," Mollie added.

"There is a lot of research that suggests that if left untreated that ADHD can lead to personality disorders, addiction, depression and anxiety.

"I have seen this firsthand in my own family, and that’s why I have chosen to treat mine with medication and therapy. It’s also advised not to drink excessive alcohol whilst on the medication too."

Please contact your GP if you think you have ADHD symptoms, and visit the NHS support page for more information.