What is ADHD? An easy to understand overview

ADHD stands for: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has a significant impact on various aspects of a person's life. It is characterised by a range of symptoms that include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can manifest differently in different people, making ADHD a highly complex and often tricky to diagnose and understand condition. However, both diagnosis and understanding ADHD is crucial for both people living with ADHD, and their loved ones, teachers, friends and colleagues. There are three main types of ADHD:

Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADD)

Predominantly Hyperactive / Impulsive Type

Combined
Type

Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADD)

People with predominantly inattentive ADHD (also sometimes known as ADD), struggle most with concentration, maintaining focus, and organisational skills. Diagnosis of this type of ADHD, requires the presence of 6 (5 for those aged 17 or over) of the following symptoms:

Difficulty with meticulous attention to details, leading to errors in tasks at school or work.
Struggles in maintaining focus during activities such as lectures, conversations, or extensive reading.
Often appears not to listen when directly spoken to.
Incomplete execution of instructions, leading to unfinished schoolwork, chores, or professional tasks.
Organisational challenges, evident in poor time management and disorganised workspaces.
Tendency to avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, like report writing or form filling.
Misplacing essential items for daily activities, like school materials, keys, or mobile phones.
Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
Forgetfulness in daily routines, including household chores and professional commitments in older teenagers and adults.

Predominantly Hyperactive / Impulsive Type

Hyperactive / Impulsive type ADHD, is characterised by excessive physical activity, such as restlessness, excessive talking, and impulsive actions without considering consequences. Diagnosis of this type requires 6 (5 for those aged 17 or over) of the following symptoms:

Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet, or discomfort in staying seated.
Challenges in remaining seated in appropriate settings like classrooms or workplaces.
Excessive physical movement in inappropriate situations.
Difficulty engaging in quiet leisure activities.
Constantly being active, as if driven by an internal motor.
Excessive talking.
Hastiness in responding, interrupting questions, or struggling to wait for their turn in conversations.
Challenges in waiting patiently, like in queues.
Interruption of others’ activities or conversations, or using others’ belongings without permission, more noticeable in older teens and adults.

Combined Type

A person is diagnosed with combined type ADHD, when they meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types.

See More About ADHD Symptoms

Diagnosis

In the UK, a diagnosis of ADHD typically involves a comprehensive assessment by mental health or primary care professionals. This process includes collecting detailed descriptions of symptoms from the individual and caregivers, completing various scales and questionnaires, and gathering a complete psychiatric and medical history. It also encompasses understanding family history and contextual factors like education, environmental influences, and upbringing.

Sometimes, a referral for a medical evaluation may be necessary to exclude other medical conditions. The symptoms should be persistent, evident over the last six months, and must have been present before the age of 12. Importantly, these symptoms should cause significant challenges in more than one environment, such as both at home and in school or work settings.

What Causes ADHD?

Genetics: Research suggests that genetics play a significant role in ADHD, so more often than not, when someone is diagnosed with ADHD, either one of their parents or grandparents will also have ADHD (although that person may not have been formally diagnosed with ADHD, especially if they are over the age of 40). This genetic link underlines the hereditary aspect of the disorder, though specific genes involved are still being studied.
Brain Structure / Function: Differences in brain structure and function are also associated with ADHD. Advances in neuroimaging have shown variations in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for attention, impulse control, and activity levels. These differences are not indicative of intelligence or potential but rather how the brain processes information and stimuli.
Lifestyle and Diet: While lifestyle and diet are not direct causes of ADHD, they can make symptoms worse. Nutritional imbalances, E numbers in food, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep can all exacerbate symptoms in some people.

What Treatments Are Available?

Effective treatment for ADHD often requires a multifaceted approach, combining treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. It's essential to understand the various options available, so you can work with your healthcare provider to find the best strategy for you. The main treatment options are:

Medications: Medications can be a key component in managing ADHD symptoms. They work by affecting the brain chemicals involved in attention and impulse control.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people with ADHD develop coping strategies and change negative thought patterns. It can be particularly helpful in addressing issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and poor organizational skills.
Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact ADHD management. Regular exercise, mindfulness exercises, meditation, a balanced diet, good hydration, ensuring you don't have any vitamin/mineral deficiencies, and getting enough sleep, can improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in some people. Structured routines and organisational strategies can also help in managing daily tasks more effectively.