So, what actually is ADHD?
ADHD or as it’s known in full Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopment condition meaning that it develops as your brain develops throughout your childhood. ADHD is associated by medical professionals with several other neurodevelopment conditions that you may have heard of such as Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia and different forms of autism spectrum disorder. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and will last into your adulthood.
There are currently no known causes for ADHD but current research has shown that genetics play a big part. People with ADHD often have a hard time focusing on one specific for a period of time leading them to have the unfair label of being badly behaved.
Dr Edwin Ugoh
Top Consultant PsychiatristThe most common signs of ADHD
- Squirm or fidget frequently
- Forget or lose items and tasks a lot
- Talking frequently
- Difficult to get along with others
Common misconceptions of ADHD
The first thing that most people think about when they hear ADHD is a boy being extremely disruptive in class which has led to a massive stereotypical prejudgement that people react on whether it’d be their teachers or parents. ADHD is more prominent in younger boys but young girls can have ADHD but they are less likely to be diagnosed as they often show fewer signs of hyperactivity.
It is also a large misconception that ADHD is a disorder of childhood but studies have shown that ADHD is, in fact, a lifespan disorder that many adults currently suffer from but are undiagnosed.
That is why it is important that if you believe that you suffer from ADHD as an adult that you reach out for diagnosis as it will be able to tell you if you have ADHD meaning you can move forward with your life by managing it and find out more about yourself.
The 3 sub-types of ADHD
ADHD treatment options
If you believe you are currently suffering from ADHD or feel that your children have ADHD then the first step of treatment is by getting a professional diagnosis from a specialist doctor. You should get your diagnosis from a medical professional who has experience in the field of neurodevelopment.
ADHD is a life-long condition but that does not mean that is not treatable. 80% of people who have been put on medication have been found to react extremely positively and it has improved their everyday life thanks to it. It’s crucial to be diagnosed as it gives you a much better understanding of the condition so you can live with it.
If you wish to seek medication for ADHD then you can only access medication from a specialist. This type of medication can be extremely effective but they need to be controlled which means you will need a special type of prescription from a specialist ADHD clinician.
In some cases, not all GPs will prescribe you medication with your diagnosis. We recommend that you speak with your GP about if they help before you speak with us. We’ll always try our hardest to get your GP to work closely with us and you on your diagnosis.