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Hi everyone,
What exactly is ADHD? This is something that until a few years ago, I had absolutely no idea about, other than the clichéd stereotype that only naughty kids who can’t be controlled are diagnosed with ADHD……
That was until I was diagnosed with it 😯
People with ADHD (or any Neurodiversity) are termed Neurodiverse, while people without a Neurodiversity are Neurotypical/Neuronormal.
One thing to point out is that we don’t have an ‘attention deficit’ as the term ADHD implies, it is more that we can have trouble regulating our attention, so sometimes our brains jump between subjects / interests and other times we can hyper-focus to the detriment of other subjects / interests!
“Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in childhood, enduring through adolescence and adulthood and presenting with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity and significantly impairing functioning.”(1)
Here is a one-minute video which explains the basics of Neurodiversity:
How ADHD affects me
I was diagnosed with Non-Attentive ADHD around 2 years ago and this was both the best and worst day of my life!
Best because I finally had an explanation of why my first 40 years on this planet had been so difficult (in terms of my attention span, difficulty in making and keeping good friends, concentration issues etc).
Worst because I had lived 40 years without this diagnosis and looking back 20+ years, I had to come to terms with the fact that when I first went to the doctor about this and was ignored, how different my life could have been if I’d had the intervention and acknowledgment of my condition back then.
I have written a more detailed blog here: My 1st Official Blog – About Peter
I have reviewed some books regarding ADHD, available in Audiobook, kindle & paperback.
Click here to see them: Books – ADHD + Adults, Books – ADHD Men / Women / Kids
The 3 Types of ADHD
ADHD can be split into three forms of diagnosis, 1) with Hyperactivity, 2) Non-Attentive without Hyperactivity and 3) a combination of both, diagnosis 2 was previously known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) but in the 90’s all forms were brought under the ADHD umbrella term.
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Hyperactivity: Although it can vary with age, symptoms normally show up by the age of 12, but have been diagnosed in children as young a 3! I know I definitely had (really obvious) signs of my condition before the age of 12 but 20+ years ago these were very rarely diagnosed
Children with hyperactivity may:
- Fidget and squirm when seated
- Get up frequently to walk or run around
- Run or climb a lot when it’s not appropriate. (In teens, this may seem like restlessness.)
- Have trouble playing quietly or doing quiet hobbies
- Always be “on the go”
- Talk excessively
Children may struggle with basic tasks such as sitting still while in class or listening to stories, constantly on the move, inappropriately jumping on furniture or climbing without thought for their safety.
Non-Attentive: I know, from personal experience, that this is the hardest form of ADHD to diagnose, as typically children don’t appear hyperactive, and they can easily blend into the background as they will just get on with the basics (especially in earlier school years).
As I went further through the school system and homework and chores play a larger part of my learning, then I would often move on from one unfinished task to another, nowadays this is more likely to be picked up and not just put down to being lazy or unmotivated.
Children with Non-Attentive ADHD may also:
- Be disorganized
- Lack focus
- Have a hard time paying attention to details and a tendency to make careless mistakes. Their work might be messy and seem careless.
- Have trouble staying on topic while talking, not listening to others, and not following social rules
- Be forgetful about daily activities (for example, missing appointments, forgetting to bring lunch)
- Be easily distracted by things like trivial noises or events that are usually ignored by others.
- Have a hard time getting along with others because they can’t read people’s feelings and moods
- Daydream a lot
- Be too wrapped up in their own thoughts to hear you
Combination of Hyperactivity / Non-Attentive: I believe that most people diagnosed with ADHD would be either classed as Hyperactive or Non-Attentive, along with ticking a few boxes in this third category. Impulsivity, for example, can often lead to accidents such as running into people / objects, without the understanding of the dangers of these actions.
Children with ‘Combination’ ADHD may be:
- Impulsivity / impatience
- Having a hard time waiting to talk or react
They may also:
- Have a hard time waiting for their turn.
- Blurt out answers before someone finishes asking them a question.
- Frequently interrupt or intrude on others. This often happens so much that it causes problems in social or work settings. Friends might get mad at them or get their feelings hurt because they may act without thinking.
- Start conversations at inappropriate times.
While most children will do a number of the symptoms listed, this would be from time to time, whereas for children with ADHD they will happen on a regular basis and can seriously affect their ability to function like ‘Neurotypical’ children of the same age or developmental level.
I have reviewed some books regarding ADHD, available in Audiobook, kindle & paperback.
Click here to see them: Books – ADHD + Adults, Books – ADHD Men / Women / Kids
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can, if not managed appropriately, cause emotional, social, occupational, and academic problems in adults.
Hyperactive: The following behaviours and problems might stem directly from ADHD, or might be the result of related adjustment difficulties:
- Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Lack of organizational skills
- Low self-esteem
- Employment problems
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Impulsiveness
Non-Attentive: This will often have a massive impact in people’s lives, throughout their daily functioning, time at work and in social / family situations. There are 9 symptoms normally linked with Non-Attentive ADHD:
- Often has trouble staying focused on tasks at work, home or play
- Frequently does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes at work or while doing other tasks
- Often has trouble organizing tasks or activities (misses deadlines, disorganized work)
- Is easily distracted
- Frequently does not follow through on instructions or fails to complete work assignments, chores or other activities
- Often forgets doing routine chores (like paying bills, returning phone calls, keeping appointments)
- Avoids tasks that require long periods of mental focus (preparing reports, filling out forms)
- Often loses items needed to complete tasks or activities
- Does not appear to be listening even when spoken to directly
Adults may have predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD if they:
- Experience serious or chronic problems due to five or more of these symptoms
- Have no other mental health disorder that could be the cause of these symptoms
- Have few-to-no symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity
Other psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can also accompany all forms of ADHD in adults.
References:
1) Sleep disorders in patients with ADHD: impact and management challenge | NSS (dovepress.com)
2) DSM-5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Further references:
ADHD Inattentive Type in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Adult ADHD Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Right here is the perfect blog for anyone who really wants to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need toÖHaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for ages. Great stuff, just wonderful!
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Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. Its always useful to read content from other authors and practice something from their websites.