Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly diagnosed in childhood, but can also be diagnosed in adulthood.
“People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development.”
[Source: ADHD UK]
ADHD is a disorder that centres around an inability to hold focus and attention, in varying degrees. There’s no one-size-fits-all diagnosis but taking the time to have ADHD assessed will lead to coping mechanisms that will help both adults and children manage their lives more comfortably.
Adults and children can both have ADHD but it’s usually more noticeable in children. Most people fall into one of two categories of ADHD (and sometimes both) – having difficulty concentrating and focusing (ADD) and/or hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Difficulty in concentrating and focusing
Symptoms of predominately inattention
Do you…
have a short attention span?
get easily distracted or feel bored quickly?
make careless mistakes?
experience forgetfulness or lose things?
feel unable to absorb or carry out instructions?
move from task to another, often before finishing?
appear to be disorganised or find it hard to get organised?
Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
Symptoms of predominately hyperactivity
Do you…
find it hard to sit still, especially in quiet surroundings?
fidget or move about a lot?
find it a challenge to concentrate on tasks?
talk constantly?
notice that you are unable to wait your turn?
act impulsively?
interrupt often?
find yourself unaware of danger?
By identifying with some of the symptoms outlined above you might feel a sense of relief in knowing that you can relate to ADHD and know that there are ways to improve every aspect of life – home, work, school, social situations and so on.
In a school situation it might mean you take exams in a slightly different environment, you might have assistance in lessons and certainly your behaviour will be better understood by your friends and teachers. If you’re struggling with social interactions a diagnosis can help you work things out better and provide some knowledge and insight to your character traits. Knowledge almost always leads to a greater understanding and a resulting patience, especially when some of the behaviour presented can be difficult to navigate.
“I felt empowered by my diagnosis” explained a recent client. “The frustration I had felt for years at not being able to focus or finish tasks or sit at my office desk for a full day completely vanished. Instead it was replaced with the revelation that I can work really well but only in 20 minute bursts. I move on to something else and return to the original task later. My ADHD diagnosis means I can make sense of things and it has brought so much relief with it. I also know that my impulsivity and butterfly approach to things can actually lead to some really good inspiration and creative ideas – as long as I write it all down!”
There’s no defining reason why some people have ADHD although a mix of genetics, brain function and structure together with other factors such as having epilepsy, a low birth weight or premature birth can have some bearing. It’s safe to say that further research is needed to understand why ADHD is present for some but not for others.
We recognise that ADHD is a condition that can be challenging to live with, and whilst ‘curing’ it isn’t possible, understanding you or your child’s individual symptoms and learning how to manage these more effectively is possible.
Visit the website where you can read some more, download my leaflet or contact me for an initial chat.
References:
https://adhduk.co.uk/about-adhd/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
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