Further reading
Signs and symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD is widely associated with a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These can significantly impair functioning on a daily basis and affect quality of life.
While the specific characteristics and severity may vary depending on the individual, these are common signals that ADHD may be present:
Inattention
Having difficulty in sustaining attention or staying focused, particularly on tasks or activities, that are repetitive or require a sustained amount of mental effort. ā
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity can be physical or mental. Physical hyperactivity might present as constant fidgeting, squirming or, restlessness ā
Impulsivity
Interrupting conversations or activities, blurtings out answers before questions have been completed or completing other peopleās sentences. Difficulty waiting their turn in conversation and activities. ā
Most people will experience these difficulties to some degree across their lifetime. In order to meet criteria for diagnosis however, these difficulties should have significant impact upon a personās daily functioning across more than one area of life.
ADHD can have a profound effect on a personās life. A person may find themselves struggling to reach their full potential in school or at work. They might experience difficulties in relationships. Some might experience Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), perceiving rejection from others and assuming that people view them as a failure.
Living with ADHD can be mentally and physically exhausting. It can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Some people feel that they cannot keep up with lifeās demands and perceive themselves as a failure. Others over-compensate with over controlling perfectionistic routines which can present a little like OCD type traits. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience other mental health difficulties. However, for some, what they perceived to be anxiety or depression may well be undiagnosed ADHD.
Some people may be tempted to self-diagnose themselves with ADHD. If ADHD is suspected, a full assessment from a qualified healthcare professional is recommended. A comprehensive assessment will take into account a personās life history, from before birth to their current age, as well as utilising objective measures to genuinely understand their life experience. This aids greater understanding of the presenting difficulties and can either aid accurate diagnosis of ADHD or support understanding of other mental health or developmental difficulties.
ADHD diagnosis is the first step to a person understanding themselves better. Following this there are several interventions which can support the management of symptoms. These include, psychological interventions, lifestyle changes, environmental adjustments and medication. Whichever treatment is right for you, it should aim to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Living with ADHD can be mentally and physically exhausting. It can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Some people feel that they cannot keep up with lifeās demands and perceive themselves as a failure. Others over-compensate with over controlling perfectionistic routines which can present a little like OCD type traits. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to experience other mental health difficulties. However, for some, what they perceived to be anxiety or depression may well be undiagnosed ADHD.
Some people may be tempted to self-diagnose themselves with ADHD. If ADHD is suspected, a full assessment from a qualified healthcare professional is recommended. A comprehensive assessment will take into account a personās life history, from before birth to their current age, as well as utilising objective measures to genuinely understand their life experience. This aids greater understanding of the presenting difficulties and can either aid accurate diagnosis of ADHD or support understanding of other mental health or developmental difficulties.
ADHD diagnosis is the first step to a person understanding themselves better. Following this there are several interventions which can support the management of symptoms. These include, psychological interventions, lifestyle changes, environmental adjustments and medication. Whichever treatment is right for you, it should aim to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Symptoms of ADHD in children and young people
Symptoms of ADHD in children and young people tend to present frequently and across different contexts, rather than sporadic moments of inattention or hyperactivity which is normal during childhood and up to the age of 25 when the brain is more fully developed.
You might notice these traits becoming more noticeable in certain situations, like during schoolwork or at playtime. If these symptoms are consistently affecting your child, it might be time to consider an ADHD assessment.
Common symptoms of inattentiveness and impulsivity/hyperactivity in ADHD include:
Common symptoms of inattentiveness and impulsivity/hyperactivity in ADHD include:
Inattentiveness
- Short attention span, can be easily distracted.
- Making careless mistakes, in schoolwork or in daily activities.
- Being forgetful, losing things, such as homework or toys.
- Struggling to remain on task, particularly if lengthy or boring.
- Struggling to listen properly or follow instructions.
- Constantly changing from one activity to another.
- Finding it difficult to organise or plan.
Impulsiveness and Hyperactivity
- Finding it hard to sit still, especially in quiet situations.
- Constantly fidgeting and squirming in their seats.
- Difficulty with concentration.
- Lots of physical movement, seen to be always on the go.
- Talking non-stop - maybe referred to as a chatterbox.
- Struggling to wait their turn.
- Acting quickly, without thinking things through.
- Interrupting conversations with others.
- Racing thoughts which may jump from one topic to another.
- Can lack a sense of danger.
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