ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behaviour disorder that makes people feel restless, impulsive, and hyperactive. Symptoms of ADHD typically show up in childhood, however it can also affect teenagers and adults.

The symptoms of ADHD are usually picked up in school age children, and many find that symptoms improve with age, however, some adults continue to struggle. Sometimes a diagnosis isn’t made and therefore learning to manage the symptoms can be extremely difficult.

There are three main types of ADHD;

• Predominantly inattentive presentation: when there is more inattention than hyperactivity seen
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: when there is more hyperactivity and impulsiveness seen
• Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive: when six or more symptoms are present from either the inattentiveness or the hyperactivity and impulsiveness category. This is the most common type of ADHD seen by doctors

Common signs of inattentiveness include:

• Short attention span, easily distracted
• Making careless mistakes
• Forgetfulness and often losing things
• Struggle to focus on tasks that take a long time
• Appearing unable to listen or carry out instructions
• Jumping from one task to another
• Finding organising tasks difficult

Common signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:

• Difficulty sitting still
• Constant fidgeting
• Unable to concentrate on tasks
• Excessive talking
• Excessive physical movement
• Interrupting other people’s conversations
• Little sense of risk or danger
• Difficulty waiting their turn.

There are several different therapy options that can be helpful for those with ADHD, which can also help with additional difficulties such as anxiety, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This can help with exploring the way you think and behave in certain situations that you/your child finds difficult.

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