What Is ADHD
When I was younger there wasn’t much known about ADHD other than it being something associated with some of the naughty kids in school. It was very misunderstood and still is to this day. But thanks to advancing medicines, mental health provisions and better understanding this belief is now becoming outdated.
What is ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a persons behaviour.
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, however this is not always the case and at the present time more and more adults are being diagnosed and it can often take a lengthy time for someone to be diagnosed as there are many different aspects that need to be looked at.
ADHD symptoms in children and adults differ slightly and can be masked by other issues or illnesses. Below is a list of some of the symptoms for children and adults. If you or someone in your family is displaying any of these symtpoms and is worried that they may have ADHD you can take an ADHD assessment. ADHD is a lifelong condition and having a definitive diagnosis will help you find the right course of treatment and ways to manage your ADHD.
Symptoms in children and teenagers
The symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers are usually noticed by the time a child is 6 years old. They will occur at home, in class and other situations too. Symptoms are often classed as inattentive or hyperactive and impulsive. Symptoms can cause problems in a child’s life, for example, underachievement in class, poor social interaction with other children and adults, and have problems with discipline.
The main signs of inattentiveness are:
- A short attention span and being easily distracted
- Making careless mistakes
- Appear forgetful or lose things
- Being unable to stay to time-consuming tasks
- Appearing to be unable to concentrate or do instructions
- Constantly change tasks
- Have difficulty organising
The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are:
- Being unable to take a seat still, especially in quiet surroundings
- Fidgeting
- Unable to target tasks
- Excessive talking
- Being unable to attend their turn
- Acting stupidly
- Interrupting conversations
- Little or no sense of danger
Symptoms in adults
- Carelessness
- Lack of attention to detail
- Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
- Have poor organisational skills
- Are unable to focus or prioritise
- Often losing or misplacing things
- Forgetfulness
- Have difficulty keeping quiet, and often speak out of turn
- Blurting out responses and frequently interrupting others
- Mood swings, irritability and a fast temper
- Inability to deal with stress
- Extreme impatience
- Taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for private safety or the protection of others
As with ADHD in children and teenagers, ADHD in adults can occur alongside other related problems or conditions. One of the most common problems is depression but personality disorders, OCD and manic depressioncan even be present. The behavioural problems related to ADHD can even cause problems like difficulties with relationships and social interaction.
*This is a collaborative post
