What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects our ability to focus and maintain attention, and to regulate impulses. ADHD is often diagnosed during childhood but is increasingly diagnosed during adulthood as well. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5-TR) outlines that symptoms of ADHD must be present prior to age 12 to be diagnosed.

There are three main types of ADHD, inattentive type, hyperactive type, and combined type which involves both inattention and hyperactivity. Someone with inattentive ADHD may have trouble maintaining focus and attention, staying organized, and completing tasks in full. They might also become easily distracted, lose things, and make careless mistakes. An individual with hyperactive ADHD may often find themselves fidgeting, feeling restless, and generally find it difficult to sit still. They might also interrupt others during conversations, act on their impulses, and find it challenging to wait their turn. People with combined ADHD will experience a mixed combination of the above symptoms.

What causes ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning ADHD has underlying biological (or neurological) causes. Currently, there is no one known risk factor for ADHD, however, researchers propose that ADHD is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, ADHD can present differently across genders, and symptoms may vary as you age.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

The process for diagnosing ADHD can vary depending on your age and presenting symptoms. The DSM-5-TR outlines that to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have symptoms prior to 12 years of age. Hence, as an adult, it may be useful to provide school reports from before you were 12 years old (if you still have them!) to corroborate your diagnosis of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD must also be present in more than one setting, such as school, work, and home.

We can help

Sellick Psychology offers ADHD assessments, which can be brief or comprehensive. Both involve and in-depth clinical assessment and the administration of the DIVA-5 (or Young DIVA for children and adolescents). The comprehensive assessment also involves a cognitive assessment component, the WISC for children and adolescents, and the WAIS for adults.

How do you treat ADHD?

ADHD can be treated in a variety of ways and is different for everyone. A well-known treatment is the use of medication, generally prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist. A psychologist uses talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to develop strategies and skills for time management, organisation, and emotional regulation. A combination of both medication and therapy can be very effective in managing ADHD.

Conclusion

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder is a lifelong condition that can affect people of all ages. Taking time to understand ADHD such as its wide variety of symptoms and differences across genders. Treating ADHD can look different from person, but often medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Find more information about ADHD at https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd

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