Sally Cubbin is a renowned name in the field of psychiatry, particularly known for her outstanding work with adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With a medical career spanning over three decades, she has become one of the leading figures in adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment in the United Kingdom. Her expertise is not only clinical but also academic and educational, contributing significantly to the growing awareness and understanding of adult ADHD, especially among women and in perinatal periods.
Early Career and Medical Training
Dr Sally Cubbin qualified as a medical doctor (MBChB) and later specialised in psychiatry, becoming a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych). Her early training laid the foundation for a deeply empathetic and analytical approach to mental health. Unlike many professionals who opt for broader psychiatric specialisations, Cubbin’s interest gravitated toward the niche but profoundly impactful domain of adult ADHD.
Her educational background also includes an MSc in Psychiatry, further equipping her with the academic rigour required for research and evidence-based practice. Recognising the need to bridge medication and psychotherapy, she pursued and earned a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from the University of Oxford, enabling her to offer more comprehensive treatment to her patients.
Specialisation in Adult ADHD
Dr Cubbin is particularly noted for her dedication to the assessment and treatment of adults with ADHD. At a time when the condition was largely seen as a childhood disorder, she was among the first in the UK to advocate for recognition and tailored support for adults experiencing ADHD symptoms. Her work has not only helped thousands of individuals but has also shifted the way clinicians view and manage adult ADHD.
Her clinical work includes years of service at the prestigious Maudsley Hospital’s National Adult ADHD Service in London. Between 2008 and 2012, she worked extensively in this national referral centre, developing both her clinical acumen and diagnostic precision. Subsequently, she provided care through NHS services in Hampshire and Southampton, where she was instrumental in establishing local adult ADHD care pathways.
Leadership Roles and Affiliations
Sally Cubbin is a member of the executive and training sub-committees of the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN), a key body aimed at improving standards of ADHD care across the country. In this capacity, she helps shape guidelines, offers professional training, and delivers educational workshops to other healthcare professionals, thereby enhancing ADHD awareness and competence nationwide.
Her position in UKAAN reflects not only her clinical reputation but also her dedication to advancing national healthcare standards. She is particularly passionate about supporting general practitioners (GPs), who often act as the first point of contact for individuals seeking help with attention difficulties. Her contribution to training events has been critical in promoting early recognition and appropriate referral procedures.
Clinical Approach and Patient Care
One of the key distinguishing features of Dr Cubbin’s approach is her dual focus on pharmacological and psychological care. Rather than relying solely on medication, she takes a holistic view of the patient’s life and challenges. This includes comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and difficulties in work or relationships.
Through the use of CBT techniques, she supports patients in managing time, improving organisation, and addressing cognitive distortions that often exacerbate ADHD symptoms. She also offers specific interventions such as CBT for insomnia, recognising the close link between sleep and cognitive function.
Her work also frequently touches on complex cases, such as those involving ADHD and Autism Spectrum Conditions, perinatal mental health, and hormonal influences in women. This multifactorial and compassionate approach makes her a trusted and sought-after expert.
Research Contributions and Thought Leadership
Sally Cubbin is a prolific contributor to medical literature and is known for her clear, practical writing. In 2024, she co-authored the Adult ADHD Assessment Quality Assurance Standard (AQAS), a landmark document setting benchmarks for best practices in diagnosing ADHD. Published in a respected peer-reviewed journal, the AQAS serves as a clinical framework that clinicians and commissioners alike now refer to when developing services.
Her previous work includes guidance articles for general practitioners, published in leading medical journals, focusing on improving recognition and referral of adult ADHD cases. She has written extensively on the intersection of ADHD with gender, producing important chapters such as “ADHD in Adults with Autism” and contributing to the well-received publication “Understanding ADHD in Girls and Women.”
She was also involved in innovative research using computer-based eye movement tracking to evaluate its potential as a diagnostic tool for ADHD. Such interdisciplinary collaborations show her willingness to embrace new technology in pursuit of better outcomes for patients.
Advocacy for Women with ADHD
One of Dr Cubbin’s most impactful areas of work involves ADHD in women, a demographic historically underdiagnosed and misunderstood. ADHD often presents differently in females, with less overt hyperactivity and more internalised symptoms such as inattention, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem.
Her recent co-authored book, “Women and ADHD: From Puberty to Menopause and Beyond,” offers a deeply insightful and relatable guide for women navigating life with ADHD. Drawing from real-life case studies, clinical experience, and a wealth of research, the book addresses key transitional phases in a woman’s life, including puberty, pregnancy, motherhood, and menopause. It is a vital resource not only for patients but also for their families and healthcare providers.
Public Engagement and Media Presence
While Dr Cubbin primarily works in clinical and academic settings, she has also made efforts to bring ADHD awareness into the public sphere. She is occasionally interviewed in mainstream media and appears at national conferences and public seminars, demystifying ADHD for a broader audience.
Her ability to articulate complex neurological conditions in everyday language makes her a valuable voice in public education campaigns. Her approach is never alarmist but rather grounded in facts, empathy, and a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for individuals with ADHD.
Private Practice and Accessibility
Beyond her NHS contributions, Dr Cubbin also operates a well-regarded private practice. This has allowed her to expand services to those who may not meet NHS eligibility or who require more immediate intervention. She maintains a reputation for thorough assessments and patient-centred care, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide a seamless treatment experience. You can explore more about her clinical work, locations, and specialisations on her official ADHD Clinic profile.
Private care also gives her the flexibility to conduct longer appointments, follow-up reviews, and more detailed psychological interventions—factors that many patients with ADHD find beneficial.
A Champion for Quality and Compassion
At the heart of Sally Cubbin’s career lies a steadfast commitment to quality care, evidence-based practice, and above all, compassion. Whether she is seeing patients, training clinicians, writing policy, or authoring books, her goal remains the same: to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of adult ADHD.
In an era where mental health challenges are increasingly recognised yet still widely misunderstood, practitioners like Sally Cubbin offer not just solutions, but hope. Her work is shaping the future of ADHD care in the UK and beyond, setting a standard for excellence and empathy.
Conclusion
Sally Cubbin stands out as one of the UK’s most respected voices in adult ADHD. Her blend of academic excellence, clinical experience, and public advocacy places her at the forefront of a field that is only now beginning to receive the attention it deserves. She has helped countless individuals understand their minds, find effective treatment, and live fuller, more focused lives.
As awareness of neurodiversity grows, figures like Dr Cubbin are leading the charge—breaking down stigma, guiding policy, and offering practical pathways to better health. Her impact is lasting, her message is clear, and her dedication is unwavering.
