Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The main signs of inattentiveness are:

• Struggling to stay focused and easily getting distracted.
• Making simple mistakes, like in schoolwork.
• Often forgetting things or losing items.
• Finding it hard to stick with boring or long tasks.
• Seeming like you’re not listening or following instructions.
• Frequently switching between activities.
• Having trouble staying organised.

Hyperactivity and impulsiveness often look like:

• Not being able to sit still, especially in quiet places.
• Constantly fidgeting.
• Struggling to focus on tasks.
• Moving around a lot, even when it’s not needed.
• Talking excessively.
• Having trouble waiting their turn.
• Acting on impulse without thinking.
• Interrupting others during conversations.
• Not recognising danger easily.

Although not always the case, sometimes children or young people with ADHD might also have other challenges, like:

• Anxiety: Constant worrying or feeling nervous, sometimes with physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat or dizziness.
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): Frequent negative or defiant behavior, especially towards authority figures like parents and teachers.
• Conduct disorder: Engaging in antisocial behaviors, such as stealing, fighting, or vandalism.
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Sleep problems: Trouble falling asleep or having irregular sleep patterns.
• Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD): Issues with social interaction, communication, and behaviour.
• Dyspraxia: Difficulty with physical coordination.
• Epilepsy: Experiencing repeated seizures or fits.
• Tourette’s syndrome: Involuntary tics or noises.
• Learning difficulties: Struggles with skills like reading, writing, or math, such as dyslexia.

Some experts have identified the following symptoms as commonly associated with ADHD in adults:

• Carelessness and lack of attention to detail
• Frequently starting new tasks before completing existing ones
• Poor organisational skills
• Difficulty focusing or prioritising
• Regularly losing or misplacing items
• Forgetfulness
• Restlessness and irritability
• Trouble remaining quiet and tendency to speak out of turn
• Interrupting others and blurting out responses
• Mood swings, irritability, and a quick temper
• Difficulty managing stress
• Extreme impatience
• Engaging in risky behaviours with little concern for personal or others’ safety, such as reckless driving.

As with ADHD in children and teenagers, adults with ADHD can also struggle with several related problems or conditions. One of the most common is depression. Other conditions that adults may have alongside ADHD include:

• Personality disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) 

The behavioural problems associated with ADHD can also cause problems such as difficulties with relationships and social interaction.

If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, talk to your GP. If you’re concerned about your child, it can be helpful to first discuss their behavior with their teachers to see if they have any observations. While your GP cannot provide a formal ADHD diagnosis, they can discuss your concerns and, if needed, refer you to a specialist for a comprehensive assessment.

In addition to medication, various therapies can help manage ADHD in children, teenagers, and adults, and address related issues like conduct or anxiety disorders.

1. Psychoeducation: This therapy involves discussing ADHD and its impacts to help individuals understand and cope with their diagnosis.

2. Behaviour Therapy: This supports caregivers and may include teachers in managing ADHD by using rewards to encourage positive behavior and implementing structured activities and praise.

3. Parent Training and Education Programs: Tailored programs teach parents effective strategies for improving their child’s attention and behavior, often involving group sessions of 10-16 meetings.

4. Social Skills Training: This therapy uses role-play to teach children appropriate social behaviors and how their actions affect others.

5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals manage ADHD by changing their thought patterns and behaviors, and can be done individually or in groups.

These therapies aim to improve daily functioning and support both the individual with ADHD and their families.

There are five types of medicines licensed for ADHD treatment:

• methylphenidate
• lisdexamfetamine
• dexamfetamine
• atomoxetine
• guanfacine.

These medications can help improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and support learning and behavior, though they are not a cure. Some medications are taken daily, while others may be used only on school days, with occasional treatment breaks to reassess the need.

For adults diagnosed with ADHD, GPs and specialists can recommend appropriate medicines and therapies. Initial doses are usually small and gradually increased, with regular check-ups needed to monitor effectiveness and side effects. It’s important to report any side effects to the GP and discuss any need to adjust or stop treatment. Treatment duration will be determined by the specialist based on its effectiveness.

Seeking help for ADHD is important, but there are also self-care strategies that can be beneficial. 

• Eat a balanced diet and exercise: People with ADHD should maintain a healthy, balanced diet and avoid eliminating foods without medical advice. If you suspect certain foods worsen ADHD symptoms, speak to your GP. Exercising regularly can also allow you to blow off steam.

• Try supplements: Some studies suggest that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements might benefit people with ADHD, but evidence is limited. Before using any supplements, consult your GP, as they can interact with medications or reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, be aware that long-term use of some supplements can lead to dangerous levels in your body.

• Speak to someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, family member, or another supportive person you feel comfortable confiding in. You might want to seek support from others going through a similar experience. AADD-UK has a list of support groups across the UK, including groups for adults, parents and carers.
• If you find it hard to stay organised, then make lists, keep diaries, stick up reminders and set aside some time to plan what you need to do
• Find ways to help you relax, such as listening to music or learning breathing exercises for stress. NCL Waiting Room have lots of resources to help you relax and unwind.

If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, visit the NHS website to explore ways to cope.