Sally Cubbin: Leading Psychiatrist Transforming Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

Sally Cubbin is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected psychiatrists, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults. With a medical career spanning more than three decades, Dr. Cubbin has combined her clinical expertise, academic contributions, and educational leadership to reshape the way ADHD is understood and managed, particularly among women and during the perinatal period.

Introduction

Psychiatry has evolved significantly over the years, with mental health disorders such as ADHD gaining more recognition and attention in adult populations. Among the professionals driving this progress, Dr. Sally Cubbin stands out as a leading figure in the UK. Her career reflects not only a dedication to improving patient outcomes but also a passion for education, awareness, and advancing clinical practice standards.

Through her work in hospitals, private clinics, and professional networks, Dr. Cubbin has influenced how ADHD is diagnosed, treated, and supported in adults. She has also contributed to the growing body of research on ADHD, especially focusing on women, who often face unique challenges related to diagnosis and treatment.

This article explores Sally Cubbin’s professional journey, her contributions to psychiatry, her advocacy for ADHD awareness, and her enduring impact on mental health care.

Early Career and Medical Background

Sally Cubbin’s medical career began with rigorous academic training and a strong commitment to psychiatry. After earning her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Bristol, she pursued further training in psychiatry, achieving Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).

Her quest for continuous learning led her to gain a Master’s degree in Psychological Medicine and a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from the University of Oxford. These academic milestones shaped her approach to mental health, equipping her with a diverse skill set that she would later use in her clinical and educational roles.

From the very beginning of her career, Dr. Cubbin was drawn to the complexities of ADHD, especially its impact on adults. At a time when ADHD was still under-recognized in older populations, she emerged as a voice advocating for more comprehensive understanding and care.

Expertise in Adult ADHD

One of the hallmarks of Sally Cubbin’s career is her specialization in adult ADHD. For many years, ADHD was considered a childhood disorder, with little acknowledgment of its persistence into adulthood. Dr. Cubbin helped challenge this perception, working to highlight the ongoing struggles adults face when their ADHD remains undiagnosed or untreated.

She spent time at the National Adult ADHD Service at the Maudsley Hospital in London, where she honed her expertise and contributed to pioneering work in the field. Later, she provided ADHD services through the NHS in Hampshire and Southampton, ensuring that both local communities and specialized centers benefited from her knowledge.

Her clinical work has emphasized a holistic approach: combining medication management with psychological therapies, lifestyle guidance, and education. She stresses the importance of sleep, diet, and coping strategies, believing that ADHD care should extend beyond prescriptions to address all aspects of a patient’s life.

Role in UKAAN and Professional Leadership

Sally Cubbin’s influence extends beyond her clinical practice into professional leadership. She is an executive board member of the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN), a professional organization dedicated to improving knowledge, treatment, and services for adult ADHD.

Within UKAAN, Dr. Cubbin plays a critical role in training programs and workshops for psychiatrists and healthcare professionals. She is involved in teaching about pharmacological treatments for ADHD and has developed specialized workshops on ADHD in the perinatal period. These educational contributions ensure that future generations of psychiatrists and clinicians are better equipped to identify and support adults with ADHD.

Her leadership within UKAAN also includes contributing to consensus statements and guidelines aimed at standardizing ADHD care across the UK. By working alongside other experts, she has helped to shape policies and best practices that improve patient outcomes nationwide.

Contributions to Research and Publications

Dr. Cubbin has authored and co-authored numerous research papers, consensus statements, and book chapters that have advanced understanding of ADHD in adults. Some of her most significant contributions include:

Consensus on ADHD Healthcare Provision in the UK – Highlighting the gaps in ADHD care and the need for systemic improvement.

Guidance on ADHD in Primary Care – Advocating for better integration of ADHD services into general healthcare systems.

ADHD and Child Protection – Exploring the intersection between adult ADHD and parenting, safeguarding, and family dynamics.

Occupational Therapy in ADHD – Expanding the role of multidisciplinary approaches in managing ADHD symptoms.

In addition to journal publications, Dr. Cubbin has written extensively about ADHD in women, exploring how hormonal changes, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause affect symptom expression and treatment needs. Her forthcoming book, Women and ADHD: Puberty to Menopause and Beyond, is a comprehensive guide addressing the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD.

Focus on Women and Perinatal ADHD

One of Sally Cubbin’s most impactful areas of work is her focus on women with ADHD. Historically, women have been under-diagnosed due to differences in symptom presentation compared to men. Dr. Cubbin has dedicated significant research and clinical attention to addressing this gender gap.

She emphasizes that ADHD in women often goes unnoticed until adulthood, sometimes triggered by challenges in the perinatal period, when responsibilities and hormonal shifts intensify symptoms. By providing specialized training for perinatal psychiatrists and writing extensively on the subject, she has contributed to better care for women during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.

Her work in this area is groundbreaking, helping to dismantle stigma, improve diagnostic accuracy, and ensure that women receive appropriate and timely support.

Clinical Philosophy and Patient Care

Dr. Cubbin is known for her patient-centered approach. She believes that successful treatment of ADHD requires understanding the individual’s life, challenges, and goals. Her clinics emphasize:

Comprehensive assessment – considering psychiatric history, lifestyle, and coexisting conditions.

Personalized treatment plans – balancing medication with therapy, behavioral strategies, and lifestyle interventions.

Supportive care – ensuring patients feel heard, validated, and empowered in their treatment journey.

Patients often describe her as approachable, compassionate, and thorough — qualities that make her not only a skilled psychiatrist but also a trusted advocate for mental health.

Advocacy and Raising Awareness

Beyond her clinical and academic work, Sally Cubbin has been active in raising public awareness of ADHD. She frequently contributes to discussions about the importance of recognizing ADHD in adults, the challenges of late diagnosis, and the need for wider access to services.

By engaging in conferences, workshops, and public forums, she continues to fight against the stigma that surrounds ADHD and mental health in general. Her advocacy has encouraged countless adults to seek help, often transforming their lives through timely diagnosis and treatment.

Personal Interests and Human Side

While her professional achievements are impressive, Dr. Cubbin also values balance in life. She enjoys canoeing, cycling, hiking, and traveling, which reflect her appreciation for physical well-being and the outdoors. These activities not only provide relaxation but also align with her belief that lifestyle choices play a significant role in maintaining good mental health.

Her personal interests remind patients and colleagues that mental health professionals are also individuals who value connection, activity, and balance.

Legacy and Ongoing Impact

Over the course of her career, Sally Cubbin has transformed the landscape of adult ADHD care in the UK. Her legacy lies not only in the thousands of patients she has supported but also in the systems, training, and guidelines she has helped shape.

She continues to be an influential voice in psychiatry, ensuring that ADHD is no longer overlooked in adults — particularly women and mothers. Her blend of clinical expertise, research, and advocacy ensures that her impact will endure for decades to come.

Conclusion

Dr. Sally Cubbin is more than a psychiatrist; she is a pioneer, educator, and advocate whose work has redefined how ADHD is understood and treated in adults. Her dedication to improving care, advancing research, and raising awareness has made her one of the most respected figures in her field.

By focusing on areas that were once neglected — such as adult ADHD in women and during perinatal periods — she has created new pathways for understanding and treatment. Her story is one of perseverance, compassion, and leadership, making her an inspiring figure not only in psychiatry but also in the broader field of mental health care.