Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Neurodevelopmental means having to do with the way the brain grows and develops. It is typically diagnosed firstly in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
ADHD symptoms start in childhood and can continue into adulthood, but they may look different in adults. Just as ADHD symptoms and the way they impact daily living may change across the lifetime, needs for support and treatment may differ for adults and children.
Some adults may have ADHD but have never been diagnosed and symptoms can change over time and may look different at older ages. Hyperactivity, for example, may decrease or may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms may also become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships.
Adults with ADHD may struggle with:
- Managing their attention and focus on things
- Completing lengthy tasks unless interesting
- Staying organised
- Controlling their behaviour
- Hyperactive symptoms, such as feeling internally restless and fidgety
In times when stress and demands are high, ADHD can cause difficulty with:
- Daily tasks
- Social relationships
- Consistency in healthy behaviors such as exercise, proper nutrition, and good sleep
- Avoiding health risks such as substance use, infections, and injuries