ADHD

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning. ADHD is a complex condition that can manifest in different ways, and its symptoms can vary from person to person.

ADHD affects the brain’s executive functions, which are responsible for regulating behaviour, attention, and emotions. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but research suggests that it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

If you’re an adult and think you might have ADHD, you might want to check out the adult screening questionnaire on the ADHD UK website.

Is it mainly boys who have ADHD?

ADHD has always believed to have been more common in boys than girls, but this may be due to extensive underdiagnosis in girls historically.

Girls were excluded from studies and research, because of hormones, can you believe that?! The learnings and results from tests on boys were simply applied to girls, too.

It’s absolutely staggering and so immensely sad that millions of girls have probably gone undiagnosed because of this massive assumption.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD can vary hugely from person to person, but here are ten common symptoms of ADHD:

1. Short attention span and being easily distracted
2. Making careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
3. Appearing forgetful or losing things
4. Being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
5. Appearing to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
6. Constantly changing activity or task
7. Having difficulty organising tasks
8. Being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
9. Being unable to concentrate on tasks
10. Excessive physical movement

It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with ADHD will experience all of them.

Tell me about the 7 types of ADHD

 There are different ways to categorise ADHD, but one of the most popular is the one proposed by Dr Daniel Amen, a noted psychiatrist and ADHD specialist. According to Dr Amen, there are seven types of ADHD:

Classic ADHD

This is the most common type of ADHD. Kids with classic ADHD tend to be colicky, active, wiggly babies and restless, talkative, impulsive children. Hyperactive, conflict-driven behaviour often demands attention.

Inattentive ADHD

People with this type of ADHD experience more symptoms of inattention than those of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may struggle with impulse control or hyperactivity at times, but these aren’t the main characteristics of inattentive ADHD.

Overfocused ADHD

People with this type of ADHD tend to get stuck on negative thoughts or behaviours and have difficulty shifting their attention to other things.

Temporal Lobe ADHD

People with this type of ADHD may experience memory problems and have difficulty processing information.

Limbic ADHD

People with this type of ADHD may experience mood swings and have difficulty regulating their emotions.

Ring of Fire ADHD

People with this type of ADHD may experience intense mood swings and have difficulty regulating their emotions.

Anxious ADHD

People with this type of ADHD may experience anxiety and worry excessively.

It’s important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and many people with ADHD may experience symptoms that fall into more than one category. If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it’s important to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Start by making an appointment with your GP, who can start the assessment process. ADHD Aware has guidance on how to seek advice and a diagnosis.

Can I get a private diagnosis?

You can pay for a private diagnosis, but my GP was quick to advise against doing this when I talked to him about starting the ADHD assessment process.

In May 2023, there was a scathing Panorama programme about the worrying lack of professional care and due diligence displayed by some private ADHD assessment services. 

Private diagnoses that issue prescriptions can no longer be transferred to NHS prescriptions. So if you’re considering a private ADHD assessment in order to fast track medication, you might want to think again, as private prescription costs can be anything that a pharmacy decides to charge.

Who should I talk to if I think I might have ADHD?

Your GP can start the assessment process, but it’s understandable if you think that going straight to your GP could be a bit daunting.

If you want to do some fact finding or information gathering, there are some really helpful online resources you might want to check out: