Methylphenidate is one of the most widely used medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is available in both short-acting and longer-acting formulations. For adults with ADHD, methylphenidate is one of the first-line pharmacological treatments recommended by NICE. Despite being described as a stimulant, the aim of treatment is not to make somebody feel stimulated or unusually energetic. In fact, many people with ADHD describe almost the opposite: their mind feels quieter, they are less internally restless and it becomes easier to decide where to direct their attention. So how does methylphenidate actually work, what are the different formulations, and what should you expect when starting treatment? How does methylphenidate work? Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant. Its precise therapeutic mechanism in ADHD is not completely understood, but it primarily affects two neurotransmitters that are important in attention and executive functioning: d

As the days become longer and evenings stay brighter, many people notice changes in their sleep. For some autistic people, people with ADHD, or people with highly sensitive traits, these changes can be especially noticeable. Sleeping worse in spring or summer is not always simply a matter of “poor sleep hygiene”. For many neurodivergent people, sleep can be affected by a combination of factors: changes in light exposure, temperature, routine, sensory load and circadian rhythm. Light and the body clock Light is one of the most important signals the body uses to regulate its internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm helps organise many bodily functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, melatonin release, alertness, and the times of day when we feel more sleepy or more awake. When we are exposed to more light in the evening, melatonin release can be delayed. This may make it harder to fall asleep, even when someone feels exhausted. In spring and summ

If you have ADHD, you have probably come across claims that certain vitamins, minerals, herbs or “nootropics” can improve concentration, increase dopamine, reduce impulsivity or even replace ADHD medication. Supplements such as omega-3, magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane are frequently discussed online. Others, including caffeine, 5-HTP, GABA and various herbal preparations, are promoted as natural ways of improving focus or regulating the nervous system. But how much of this is supported by evidence? The answer is more nuanced than either “supplements don't work” or “ADHD can be treated naturally”. Some supplements may have a role in particular circumstances. However, there is currently no nutritional supplement with evidence comparable to established ADHD treatments, and many products marketed specifically for ADHD have been inadequately studied. Omega-3 fatty acids Of the nutritional supplements studied in ADHD, omega-3 fatty acids are probably the best r

If you have ADHD, you may notice that certain medications seem to make your concentration, memory, energy levels or executive functioning worse. This does not necessarily mean that the medication is making ADHD itself worse. Some medicines can cause side effects such as sedation, fatigue, cognitive slowing or sleep disruption, which can overlap with ADHD symptoms and make everyday functioning more difficult. Other medications and substances may interact with ADHD treatments, particularly stimulants such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. Understanding these effects can be helpful when reviewing treatment with your doctor. 1. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam are sometimes prescribed for anxiety, acute agitation or insomnia. Because they reduce activity within the central nervous system, they can cause: drowsiness slower processing speed difficulties with attention problems with memory reduced mental alertness For someone who already struggl

As winter comes to an end and the days become longer, many people describe feeling unusually tired, irritable, mentally foggy or simply “not quite themselves”. This is sometimes referred to as spring fatigue or spring asthenia. Although the experience is commonly reported, spring asthenia is not an official medical diagnosis, and the scientific evidence does not currently support it as a distinct seasonal syndrome. In fact, a recent longitudinal study published in 2026 found that although almost half of participants reported experiencing spring fatigue, researchers did not find a consistent seasonal increase in fatigue, daytime sleepiness, insomnia or poorer sleep quality. So why do some people genuinely feel different when spring arrives? Rather than there being one single cause, the transition into spring brings several changes at the same time — light exposure, sleep schedules, temperature, allergens, routines, social demands and sensory input. For some people, particularly those wh

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion (that does not improve with rest), often caused by chronic stress, excessive workload (and yes—this should absolutely include domestic labour and the mental load that many of us, particularly mothers, carry due to endless to-do lists), and a lack of balance between personal and professional life. By “personal life”, I mean time for rest, enjoyment, and ourselves—not additional obligations that may increase stress or mental load. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon (which raises the question: does burnout resulting from excessive caregiving and domestic responsibilities combined with maintaining a profession not count?). Since 2019, it has been included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Of the 250 wonderful people who responded to my Instagram poll (very empirical, not at all scientific, but still helpful), an impressive 62% reported having experie