Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Signs of ADHD start in early childhood and typically continue into adulthood.

Symptoms of inattention can include:

• Moving from one task to another without completing anything

• Daydreaming

• Getting easily distracted

• Trouble remembering things

• Struggling to focus and concentrate on tasks

• Feeling disconnected from what is in front of you

• Not seeming to listen when spoken to

• Not following through on instructions

• Losing things

• Being forgetful in daily activities

• Avoiding work that requires mental effort (e.g., homework, completing forms)

• Not being able to give close attention to details

• Difficulty organising tasks

Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity can include:

• Excessive fidgeting and squirming

• Not being able to stay seated

• Talking non-stop

• Blurting out answers

• Reacting quickly to situations without thinking about the consequences

• Difficulty waiting or taking turns

• Interrupting others

• Finding it difficult to not act on impulses

Research suggests that the factors contributing to ADHD may be:

• Genetics: Having someone in your family who is diagnosed with ADHD

• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs during pregnancy

• Premature birth

ADHD can be diagnosed either by a:

• Paediatrician,

• Psychiatrist,

• Psychologist,

Who will do tests, observations, and interviews on the person.

To meet the criteria for ADHD, health professionals will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5).

As per the DSM-5, for someone to be diagnosed with ADHD they must have:

1. A persistent pattern of at least 6 months of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

2. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms present before 12 years of age.

3. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms present in two or more settings (e.g. at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives).

4. Symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The main form of treatment for ADHD is to take medication. The type and dosage of medication will be different for each person and should always be discussed with your doctor to decide what’s best.

Other services available to help with ADHD symptoms include:

Psychology: A Psychologist can help to develop emotion regulation skills. 

Positive Behaviour Support: A Behaviour Support Practitioner can help to understand behaviours of concern, provide strategies, and build skills.

Occupational Therapy: An Occupational Therapist can support independence and participation in daily life.

Speech Pathology: A Speech Pathologist will focus on developing communication skills.

1. ADHD is not a sign of low intelligence.

2. Most people with ADHD are diagnosed with other conditions: It is common for someone with ADHD to also be diagnosed with conditions such as depression, anxiety, learning difficulties, obsessive compulsive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder.

3. ADHD is not caused by diet, food additives, and refined sugar: There is no reliable research that proves diet can cause ADHD. 

4. Some celebrities that have been diagnosed with ADHD include:

   Emma Watson

   Michael Jordan

   Justin Timberlake

   Simone Biles

ADHD Australia

https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/about-adhd/

https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ADHD-Myths-Factsheet-1-Final.pdf

ADHD Foundation

https://adhdfoundation.org.au/

American Psychiatric Association

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd#:~:text=Attention%2Ddeficit%2Fhyperactivity%20disorder%20(ADHD)%20is%20one%20of,in%20the%20moment%20without%20thought).

Better Health

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

Chadd

https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview/

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5).

Health Direct

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhd

Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

National Library of Medicine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838/

Nemours Kids Health

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html

Raising Children

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/development/adhd/adhd