ADHD is common, affecting one in twenty Australians1.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects both children and adults. ADHD is often misunderstood. Many people with ADHD describe being told they are not listening, ‘lazy’, oppositional or ‘naughty’.
ADHD affects your brain’s higher-level thinking (or executive functioning) and can affect attention and the ability to self-regulate behaviour, thoughts and emotions. This can lead to difficulties at school or with academic progress, and can also lead to difficulties at work, and with friendships and relationships, including family life.
ADHD has a spectrum of symptoms, with severity levels mild, moderate and severe. Symptoms can differ for each person.
ADHD can present in different ways:
- Inattention: Trouble focusing and concentrating, easily distracted, being forgetful or losing track of belongings, missing important details or not finishing tasks.
- Hyperactive-impulsive: Fidgety, restless, easily bored, impulsive, trouble regulating emotions, excessive talking or talking over the top of others.
- Combined: A person has a mixture of symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The exact causes of ADHD are unknown, but it tends to run in families, with an estimated 77-88% heriditory2.
Common co-existing conditions include: autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, specific learning difficulties (literacy / numeracy), obsessive compulsive disorder, sensory processing disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
While ADHD can pose challenges, many individuals find effective ways to manage their symptoms. Treatment options include behavioural therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Understanding and support from family, friends, educators, employers and health professionals can make a substantial difference. With the right tools and strategies, people with ADHD can thrive.
It’s important to remember that all young children have limited attention span and sometimes do things without thinking. However, if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, your first step is to make an appointment to see your GP.
References:
1. Graetz et al., 2001; Lawrence et al., 2015.
2. Faraone SV, Larsson H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2019;24(4):562–575. doi: 10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0.
ADHD attributes
Positives
Empathetic, energetic, spontaneous, creative, intuitive, imaginative, inventive, innovative, enthusiastic, can hyper focus on interests, adventurous
Negatives
Easily distracted, innattentive, forgetful, trouble listening, disorganised, talkative, difficult sleeping, day dreaming, hyperactive, poor time management, low frustration tolerance
What causes ADHD
ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neurobiological developmental disorder.
No-one knows for certain what causes ADHD, and it is possible that a number of factors, both genetic and environmental, may contribute to its development.
ADHD comes with a number of positive as well as negative attributes. It is only when the negative attributes are very disruptive for the individual that they negatively impact everyday living.
Genetic studies, including family, twin and adoption studies, show ADHD is a highly heritable disorder. No single ADHD gene appears responsible for causing ADHD. Instead, research suggests it is likely to result from number of interacting genes. Expression of these genes is thought to result in alterations in brain structure, neurochemical composition and availability, and brain connectivity and function.
ADHD is one of the most researched neurobiological developmental disorders in the world and while it may come with some controversies in regards to the various treatments available, it is with continued research we will understand more.
ADHD - Myths vs Facts
Whilst ADHD is highly researched, there are still a lot of myths about ADHD which ADHD Australia aims to overcome.
Download our factsheet to understand the myths and facts about ADHD
How to get diagnosed
If you suspect you or your child has ADHD, your first step is to go to your GP. We suggest making notes about all the traits and reasons that make you think you or your child has ADHD. Also think about whether there is anyone in your family who has been diagnosed as well. This will help the GP to understand.
From there, the GP will determine whether to refer you to a Psychiatrist or a Paediatrician for children.
Unfortunately wait times can be very long, so consider spending that time reading about ADHD or joining online support groups on social media to better understand ADHD; what it means to have it; and how best to manage once diagnosed.
What is good about having ADHD?
ADHD has a lot of stigma attached to it. Even having the word “disorder” in it, sets a negative tone straight away.
We believe it’s really important to focus on the positives of having ADHD and there are many including:
- Hyper focus
- Creativity
- Problem solver
You're in good company
It can be overwhelming having ADHD and feeling different to other people, but we want you to know that you’re in good company.
Here are some famous people who also have ADHD:
Sports Stars
Simone Biles
Michael Phelps
Michael Jordan
Heath Shaw
Entertainers
Em Rusciano
Celeste Barber
Justin Timberlake
Emma Watson
Woody Harrelson
Rose Callaghan
Business People
Richard Branson
Mia Freeman
Ingvar Kamprand
