Insights in ADHD

ADHD We have all heard the term ADHD – but what does it actually mean? ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurocognitive disorder that can present differently depending on the person, for example, a person can present with predominantly inattentive symptoms (e.g., often losing items), predominantly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (e.g., acting as if ‘driven by a motor’), or a combined presentation of both. While common, with 5% of children diagnosed with ADHD, research has not yet figured out what exactly causes the condition. Some research has shown that people with ADHD have less grey matter volume in their brain which can impact self-control, decision making, muscle control, and speech. Other research also suggests that there is a reduction in dopamine within the brain. ADHD can run in families.

Children with ADHD are typically lagging behind their peers in executive functioning capacity by 30% or 3-6 years, meaning a 10-year-old might have the executive functioning of a 7-year-old. This means, for example, that people with this disorder can struggle with their ability to remember tasks that need to be completed, they can struggle to sustain self-control, they may often make careless mistakes, and they may have difficulty organising tasks and activities. This can impact many areas of life including school performance, social interactions, and mental health and wellbeing. There are a several ways to support people with ADHD, with both medication and psychological intervention being the recommended treatment. If a child is suspected of having ADHD or an adult feels that they match any of these symptoms it is important to get an assessment done – an official diagnosis can provide further funding and support in the school environment, access to medication, and also recommendations for support

Written By: Sienna Hinton