Understanding ADHD: Everything you need to know about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Contents 06 Understanding ADHD Complex yet common, ADHD gives individuals unique strengths and challenges 12 Women and hormones How the menstrual cycle and menopause affect women who live with ADHD 16 Seeking a di ...

Contents 06 Understanding ADHD Complex yet common, ADHD gives individuals unique strengths and challenges 12 Women and hormones How the menstrual cycle and menopause affect women who live with ADHD 16 Seeking a diagnosis We walk you through the process of getting diagnosed 20 ADHD in adulthood We’ve spoken to two people who received an ADHD diagnosis as adults 28 Treatments and coping mechanisms There are many ways to manage ADHD, from medication to therapy and self-help 34 Comorbidities How other conditions present with ADHD, including other neurodiversities, as well as anxiety and depression 38 What is masking? We explain what the concept of ‘masking’ is, and what the effects of it can be 42 Supporting your child Failing to recognize ADHD can cause children to struggle academically and socially 50 The emotional rollercoaster Emotional dysregulation is rife among those living with ADHD 58 Feeling inferior Neurodiverse people may struggle with self-esteem. Why is that, and how can you heal? 62 Executive dysfunction We explore what executive function is, and how it can be impacted in those with ADHD 70 Feeling overwhelmed Why do those with ADHD experience overwhelm, and how can you handle it? 76 A matter of interest The interest-based nervous system helps us understand attention and motivation 84 Improve memory and concentration Tips and tricks to boost your working memory and focus 88 The ‘F’ word When friends seem few and far between, ADHD may be playing havoc with your social life 94 ADHD in the workplace Embracing your ADHD can lead to a fulfilling work life6 Understanding ADHD Words Julia Mitchell Understanding ADHD A complex yet commonly experienced disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) gives individuals a unique combination of strengths and difficulties subtype, and are then diagnosed accordingly. For example, an individual with predominantly inattentive ADHD might experience difficulties following instructions and concentrating in class. This subtype is also known as ADD, although the term is now less frequently used. Other people with predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD might find themselves interrupting others during conversations and find it difficult to sit still, while people diagnosed with combined type ADHD will possess a combination of the two sets of symptoms. Although thinking about ADHD in this way can help people to gain a stronger understanding of how they see and interact with the world, it’s important to remember that this is a rough guide, and a person’s symptoms will often not fit neatly into one box. What causes ADHD? Although it’s not known exactly what causes ADHD, it’s thought that a number of factors may be involved. The first of these is genetics, and research has found that ADHD often runs in families. This means that A common form of neurodiversity, ADHD is a condition that usually begins in childhood and lasts for someone’s entire life. Although it can cause a variety of difficulties in everyday functioning for both children and adults, people with ADHD also have many strengths that make them fantastic family members, friends and employees. It’s likely that you know someone who has ADHD – it’s estimated that three to four per cent of adults in the UK live with the condition, with around five per cent of children meeting the diagnostic criteria globally. Recent years have seen increased awareness about ADHD, predominantly due to social media, which has led to an increase in individuals seeking a diagnosis. What are the different types of ADHD? ADHD is an umbrella term that can be broken down into three main subtypes: hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive, and combined. The idea behind this is that people generally present with different symptoms depending on the children who have relatives with ADHD are four times more likely to also have the condition. Other groups that are found to be at an increased risk of developing ADHD include people with traumatic brain injuries and epilepsy, as well as those who were born prematurely or at a low birthweight. It’s thought that essential brain development occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, and babies that are born significantly early miss out on this brain development happening before birth. Other research has identified changes in the brains of people with ADHD. For example, a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex – which helps with emotional control, time management, organization and problem-solving – is often smaller in children with the condition. Brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters also vary in those with ADHD, and this includes lower levels of the pleasure chemical dopamine, which is involved in the brain’s reward system. While experts have much to learn about the causes of ADHD, research is ongoing, meaning that we might one day have a clearer picture about how it develops.