James Kustow is not just a name in British psychiatry — he is a pioneering force in the field of adult ADHD. As a Consultant Psychiatrist based in London, Dr Kustow has played a vital role in reshaping how ADHD is perceived, diagnosed, and managed. His holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based approach places him among the most respected figures in contemporary mental health care.
With an impressive career that spans the NHS, private practice, academic research, and public education, Dr James Kustow’s influence extends beyond traditional psychiatry. He advocates a whole-person approach that considers the emotional, physiological, and lifestyle elements of ADHD — a model that resonates with countless patients and professionals alike.
Early Background and Education
James Kustow trained as a medical doctor in the UK before specialising in psychiatry. From the outset, his interests leaned toward the nuanced and often misunderstood aspects of mental health — especially adult ADHD. Unlike childhood ADHD, which is widely recognised, adult ADHD is still subject to stigma and under-diagnosis. Dr Kustow’s early focus on this gap shaped his future mission.
In addition to his medical training, he undertook studies in integrative psychotherapy, hypnosis, nutritional psychiatry, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). This diverse toolkit equips him to work with patients in ways that traditional psychiatry often overlooks.
A Leader in Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Compassion
Dr Kustow’s work centres around adult ADHD — a condition he both treats professionally and lives with personally. His dual perspective allows him to understand not only the clinical complexities but also the lived realities of the condition. This empathy permeates his clinical style, teaching, and written work.
He advocates for multi-modal treatment, combining medication with lifestyle adjustments, therapeutic support, and coaching. Where many psychiatrists might stop at medication, Dr Kustow takes a broader view, seeking sustainable long-term outcomes.
The Harley Street Practice and NHS Work
Professionally, James Kustow splits his time between the NHS and private sector. At the Barnet Adult ADHD Service, he treats patients referred through public healthcare. Simultaneously, his Harley Street practice serves those seeking private care, with particular emphasis on personalised treatment plans.
The dual experience informs his policy and academic work. He sees first-hand how system limitations affect ADHD care — and uses this knowledge to push for reform.
The Grove Practice and Medical Directorship
In addition to clinical practice, Dr Kustow is the Medical Director at The Grove Practice, a London-based training centre for therapists and coaches. Here, he designs and delivers cutting-edge courses focused on adult ADHD.
One of his signature offerings is the “Thrive with Adult ADHD” programme — a transformative seminar that empowers participants to better understand and manage their condition. His “Certificate in Adult ADHD+” course is another milestone, aimed at professionals looking to deepen their ADHD expertise with evidence-based strategies.
The Grove Practice reflects his belief that effective mental healthcare must extend beyond clinical settings — into education, workplace support, and community engagement.
Author, Educator, and Public Speaker
Book: How to Thrive with Adult ADHD
In 2024, Dr Kustow published his first book: How to Thrive with Adult ADHD – 7 Pillars for Focus, Productivity and Balance. The book was met with critical acclaim and has been praised by both experts and everyday readers for its clarity, relatability, and actionable advice.
Rather than framing ADHD as a disorder to be managed, the book treats it as a difference to be understood. With personal anecdotes, clinical examples, and step-by-step strategies, the text has become a go-to resource for adults with ADHD — as well as for their families and employers.
Champion of ADHD Literacy
Dr Kustow regularly speaks at conferences, podcasts, and workshops. Whether addressing clinicians or the general public, he breaks down complex science into accessible, human terms. His talks often focus on emotional dysregulation, time blindness, sleep disturbances, and the link between ADHD and rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD).
Notably, he was a chair and contributor to the European ADHD Guidelines Group, and a co-author of the UK Adult ADHD Network’s (UKAAN) training materials and textbooks. These resources are now considered foundational for ADHD education in the UK and Europe.
A Mind-Body Approach to Mental Health
One of Dr Kustow’s most distinct contributions is his embrace of the mind-body connection in mental health. For too long, psychiatry treated the brain as separate from the body. But James Kustow challenges this separation.
He explores how gut health, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and connective tissue disorders (such as Ehlers–Danlos syndrome) intersect with ADHD symptoms. This integrative lens enables a richer, more accurate understanding of the individual’s experience.
Moreover, Dr Kustow is keen to debunk the idea that ADHD is merely a result of “bad behaviour” or “lack of willpower.” He brings compassion, neuroscience, and curiosity to the fore — dismantling stigma in the process.
Personal Experience with ADHD
What makes James Kustow especially unique is that he lives with ADHD himself. He has spoken candidly in interviews about his late diagnosis, his emotional journey, and how he uses his experience to better support others.
By sharing his story, he models vulnerability and authenticity. His transparency helps dismantle the shame often felt by adults with ADHD — many of whom were misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or never diagnosed at all.
This lived experience also enriches his practice. Patients often remark that they feel truly “seen” — not merely assessed or treated, but genuinely understood.
Innovations in the NHS: The Lifeskills ADHD Programme
Dr Kustow’s work within the NHS has also been transformative. He developed the Lifeskills ADHD Programme — an initiative designed to offer practical, real-world strategies to NHS patients, many of whom lack access to long-term therapy or coaching.
The programme won a “Genius Award” in 2021 and has been adopted by several NHS trusts. It covers everything from time management and emotional regulation to mindfulness, nutrition, and relationship skills. It is a powerful testament to his mission: accessible, practical, and compassionate care for all.
Advocating for Better Systems and Standards
Beyond individual care, James Kustow is a driving force behind systemic change. He works to raise the quality and consistency of ADHD services across the UK, advocating for:
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Shorter waiting times for adult ADHD assessments.
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Greater availability of non-medication support.
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More education for employers and educators.
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Recognition of ADHD in marginalised populations (including women and people of colour).
His involvement with organisations like UKAAN and NICE reflects his commitment to policy reform and improved training for healthcare professionals.
The Future of ADHD Care: Where Kustow is Leading
As awareness of adult ADHD grows, so too does demand for high-quality care. Dr James Kustow stands at the forefront of this evolution — pushing for:
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Expanded digital mental health tools.
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ADHD-specific coaching standards.
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Workplace accommodations that go beyond legal minimums.
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Research into ADHD’s physiological underpinnings.
He also aims to further deconstruct the binary of “medical vs psychological” care, urging a more holistic approach that bridges the two.
Conclusion
James Kustow is not just a psychiatrist — he is a visionary in adult ADHD care. His work is reshaping how Britain understands, diagnoses, and supports adults with neurodiverse brains.
Whether through his NHS innovations, best-selling book, educational seminars, or personal advocacy, he consistently champions one central truth: that people with ADHD are not broken — they are wired differently. And with the right support, they can not only survive but thrive.
