What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. 

It affects both children and adults, impacting any area of life, including academic performance, health, career, and social relationships.

Main Types of ADHD

The main types of ADHD are:

AUDHD - s a term used to describe individuals who are both autistic and have ADHD. It's not a formal diagnosis in diagnostic manuals, but rather a way to acknowledge and understand the unique experiences of those with both conditions. The co-occurrence of autism and ADHD can create a complex mix of traits and challenges, as some characteristics of each condition can seem contradictory.

Inattentive: Difficulty focusing on tasks, easily distracted, forgetfulness in daily activities, and trouble with organization.

Hyperactive: Excessive physical movement, fidgeting, inability to sit still, and constant feelings of restlessness. Acting without thinking, interrupting others, making hasty decisions, and difficulty with delayed gratification.

Combined Type: A combination of inattentive and hyperactive.

Subtypes of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, Combined Presentation (both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)

How does ADHD affect people?

ADHD affects everyone differently and to various degrees. Here are some of the ways it can show up:

Academic/Work Performance: Difficulty completing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining focus during lectures or meetings.

Social Relationships: Challenges in maintaining conversations, interpreting social cues, and managing impulses in social situations.

Emotional Regulation: Mood swings, low frustration tolerance, rejection sensitivity, emotional dysregulation,and difficulty managing stress. Self-esteem: Persistent struggles, addictions, may lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. There are biological differences in the structure and function of the brain, particularly in areas responsible for executive functions. ADHD shares the same snips on the same genes as autism, and some people think they are all part of the same spectrum. It used to be that ADHD was mostly diagnosed in childhood, but these days, many older adults are being diagnosed too. There is also some evidence that it can start in adulthood now too. It can evolve over time, depending our experiences. Children with ADHD are more hyperactive and impulsive. Teenagers are more inattentive but with marked impulsivity. Adults often report restlessness, inattention and impulsivity.Hyperactivity may decrease, but inattention and impulsivity often persist.

People with ADHD often experience other issues too, perhaps as a result of living with neurodivergence. These include:

• Anxiety and depression or both

• Learning disabilities

• Addictions

• Autism

• Commonly experienced traits of ADHD

• Being easily distracted

• Misplacing or losing things

• Hyperactivity

• Restlessness

• Impulsiveness or compulsiveness

• Making chaotic choices

• Interrupting others

• Difficulty focusing on anything that feels boring or challenging.

• Being easily distracted

• Poor organization or hyper organization

• Forgetting important details and deadlines

• Fidgeting, squirming, or inability to sit still.

• Hard to complete tasks requiring stillness or silence.

• Impulsive decision-making

• Time management, time blindness and time bending.

• Planning and prioritization

• Emotions are felt and expressed in a big way