picture of boy reading book, ADHD symptoms, treatment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a complex neurological condition that affects both children and adults. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity which affects attention, the ability to play and organise and the ability to sit still. This medical condition can create difficulties at school, work, home and in friendships and relationships.

Symptoms start in childhood. About half of children with ADHD continue to have problems into adulthood. Sometimes ADHD is missed in childhood and only gets noticed later in life.

ADHD Symptoms

The main symptoms of ADHD are generally classed into 3 categories:

Inattention

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying on task

  • Appears not to listen when being spoken to

  • Difficulty following instructions

  • Forgetting things

  • Misplacing homework, toys, or books

Hyperactivity

  • Fidgeting, unable to sit still

  • Excessive talking

  • Moving around constantly, difficulty relaxing

  • May seem nervous or agitated

  • May rush through things, making errors

  • Has a quick temper or short fuse

Impulsivity

  • Interrupting conversations

  • Guessing rather than solving a problem, blurting out answers quickly

  • Has difficulty waiting in line

  • Acts without thinking

  • Difficulty keeping intense emotions in check, resulting in outbursts or tantrums

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is known to run in families. The exact causes of ADHD are unknown, but there are factors that are thought to contribute:

  • brain injury or infection

  • a lack of oxygen, or exposure to alcohol or nicotine before birth

  • premature birth

  • difficult experiences in early childhood.

  • Genetic predisposition

Signs and Symptoms in Adults

Inattention

  • Poor attention to detail

  • Easily distractible

  • Regularly procrastinating

  • Unreliable work habits

  • Forgetting appointments

  • Having more accidents

  • Day dreaming or switching off in classes or meetings

  • Poor time management.

Hyperactivity

  • Seem agitated or nervous

  • Unable to sit still and concentrate

  • Excessive talking, nervous chattering

  • Have rapid thoughts or be unable to stop thinking

  • Have sleep problems.

Impulsivity

  • Start things and not finish them

  • Interrupt other people

  • Take over what someone else is doing

  • Have problems with money

  • Change jobs frequently

  • Use drugs or alcohol

  • Have a hot temper or be irritable

You don’t need to have all these symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. Often, people with ADHD feel quite frustrated and can become anxious or depressed at not being able to achieve their full potential.  Sleep problems and relationship issues can be the reason that people initially seek treatment.

If symptoms are affecting your daily life, work or relationships you should seek help. Please contact us for further information.