EP 11: Understanding ADHD in 2025: With Dr. Graham Campbell

In this episode of Relational Lives, we dive into understanding ADHD in 2025 with psychiatrist Dr. Graham Campbell from Flint Healthcare. We explore what ADHD is, its different presentations in males and females, and its effects on self-esteem, relationships, and rejection sensitivity. Dr. Campbell shares insights on the diagnostic process, the role of medication, and what’s happening in the brain with his air traffic control metaphor. We also discuss NHS waiting list challenges, the impact of social media on awareness, and steps for seeking a diagnosis. Plus, enjoy our new quickfire segment and key insights to better understand ADHD!  

Show Notes:   Episode: Understanding ADHD in 2025: With Dr. Graham Campbell   Welcome to our latest episode, where we unpack ADHD in 2025! Joined by psychiatrist Dr. Graham Campbell, we aim to shed light on this important topic, offering clarity and support for those affected by ADHD, whether personally or in relationships. From brain science to practical advice, this episode is filled with expert insights and actionable steps.  

In This Episode:   ADHD in 2025: We introduce the topic of growing ADHD awareness (starts around 0:00, 00:00:00:00).  

Meet Dr. Campbell: Introducing our guest, a psychiatrist from Flint Healthcare (around 0:03, 00:00:03:07).  

Psychiatrist vs. Psychotherapist: Understanding the difference (around 1:00, 00:00:35:22).  

What Is ADHD? A neurodevelopmental condition explained (around 1:46, 00:01:46:19).  

Gender Differences: How ADHD presents in boys vs. girls (around 4:00, 00:04:25:21).  

Late Diagnoses: The grief and relief of adult diagnosis (around 6:00, 00:06:04:02).  

Stigma and Labels: Addressing misconceptions about ADHD (around 9:00, 00:09:26:21).  

Diagnostic Process: What a full assessment involves (around 10:00, 00:10:20:12).  

ADHD Traits in Everyone: It’s about impact, not just symptoms (around 14:00, 00:14:23:01).  

Adults and Gender: Differences persist into adulthood (around 16:00, 00:16:38:09).  

Brain Science: Dopamine, hot vs. cool systems, and the air traffic control metaphor (around 18:00, 00:18:03:18).  

Superpower or Struggle? Creativity vs. medication effects (around 24:00, 00:24:44:10).  

Medication Options: Finding the right fit for you (around 29:00, 00:29:16:15).  

NHS Challenges: Long waiting lists and the Right to Choose pathway (around 31:00, 00:31:37:20).  

Why More Diagnoses? Social media and global trends (around 35:00, 00:35:05:01).  

Rejection Sensitivity: A key challenge with ADHD (around 37:00, 00:37:10:10).  

Relationships and ADHD: Impact and improvements (around 43:00, 00:43:27:16).  

Seeking a Diagnosis: Advice for NHS and private routes (around 46:00, 00:46:48:09).  

Quickfire Segment: Coffee, forests, and evenings with Dr. Campbell (around 52:00, 00:52:07:03).  

Flint Healthcare: About Dr. Campbell’s clinic (around 55:00, 00:55:19:02).

Three Key Insights:   ADHD Is a Spectrum: We all have traits, but diagnosis depends on impact and distress (00:14:23:01).  

Medication Isn’t a Cure-All: It’s like an electric bike—helpful, but you still need to pedal (00:26:31:14).  

Start the Diagnosis Process Early: Despite NHS waiting lists, the Right to Choose pathway can help (00:47:18:19).

Resources Mentioned:   For more on mental health, check out our episode on anxiety: Understanding Anxiety Episode on Podbean or Understanding Anxiety Episode on YouTube.  

Dr. Campbell recommends the ADHD Self-Rating Scale for self-assessment (mentioned at 00:50:25:05). The latest version as of 2025 is the ASRS v1.1: ADHD Self-Rating Scale (ASRS v1.1). Note: This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.  

Learn more about Dr. Campbell’s clinic, Flint Healthcare, in Brighton, UK (mentioned at 00:55:47:16): Flint Healthcare.  

We reference the BBC show Chris Packham: Inside Our ADHD Minds (mentioned at 00:15:37:18), which includes ADHD insights: Available on BBC iPlayer (UK viewers only).

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits:   Music by: Stile Tree Music  

Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio

Connect With Us:

Have a question or want to share your thoughts on ADHD? Reach out at [e-mail]. Subscribe for more episodes on mental health, relationships, and self-understanding.  

Thanks for Listening!

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Podbean or share it with a friend. See you next time as we continue to explore the messy, brilliant human experience!