What is ADHD?
Five Key Points About ADHD
1. ADHD (or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a highly genetic, brain-based condition that affects the regulation of a particular set of functions and behaviours, collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills”.
2. There are 2 main types of ADHD: Hyperactive and Inattentive.
Note: Around 10% of people with ADHD display both Hyperactive and Inattentive symptoms, commonly known as ‘Combined Type’.
3. ADHD is very complex and affects many people differently.
In medical terms, this is referred to as Heterogeneous Presentation.
4. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting at least 10% of people worldwide and occurs equally in both men and women.
5. ADHD is not just limited to children. Symptoms often change as we grow into adulthood, but it is a lifelong condition with no cure.
Right now, millions of adults are realising they may have been living with undiagnosed Inattentive-Type ADHD their entire lives.
A major reason is that while many of the symptoms associated with Hyperactive-Type ADHD are physical and visible, inattentive symptoms are not, and so often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.
If this sounds like you, try our free Adult ADHD Self-Assessment Tool
Challenges:
Concentration: Difficulty concentrating can lead to lower grades or a long list of unfinished projects.
Self-esteem: Feeling like you can't focus or control your impulses can be frustrating.
Relationships: Difficulty managing emotions or impulsivity can create challenges in social interactions.
Causes:
Genetics: There's a strong hereditary component, meaning ADHD often runs in families.
Brain Development: Subtle differences in brain structure and function likely play a role. These can be caused by a long list of things, including;
- Low birth weight or Premature Birth
- Use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy
- Exposure to environmental risk factors, ie lead during pregnancy
Benefits:
Creativity & Problem Solving: Your brain lights up in ways and directions others don’t, often leading to ideas and connections that may otherwise have been missed.
Hyper Focus: With the right task (and some practise), nothing will break your focus!
Energy: As above, when you find something that really lights you up - you’re unstoppable!
Treatment:
Medication: Stimulants are often the first-line treatment, helping to improve focus and manage hyperactivity.
Therapy: Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with organization, impulse control, and managing emotions.
Lifestyle Changes: Creating routines, minimising distractions, and regular exercise can be beneficial.
ADHD Signs & Symptoms
ADHD affects a set of mental skills collectively referred to as ‘Executive Function’. This includes working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life.
Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.
Some of the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults are:
Challenges with prioritising
Relationship troubles
Nervous energy
Memory issues
Intense, rapidly changing emotions
Difficulty focusing
Misplacing items
Often running late
Risky behaviours
Lack of listening
ADHD Treatment
Research has shown that the most effective treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and therapy. Medication manages brain-based functions and symptoms, while therapy addresses daily thoughts, behaviours, and coping strategies.
Group therapy programs and peer support groups are beneficial as well. There is no replacement for being around other people who “get it.” ADHD coaching has been found to be effective in guiding those with ADHD.
ADHD coaching has been found to be effective in guiding those with ADHD towards identifying and meeting goals, maintaining a positive approach to change, and improving productivity while providing a source of accountability. Many seek out coaching when their goals involve improving organisational skills, time management, goal completion, and productivity.
Medication is often used to help normalize brain activity and must be carefully prescribed and monitored by a physician, preferably a psychiatrist.
