BLOG PODS #2 - What Exactly Is ADHD?
INTRODUCTION:
I’ve had ADHD since I was little. I’m now in my late 50s.
I can’t recall exactly when I first realised that there was something different going on with me – but I was an adult before the light really dawned.
Well known, but not known about
Most people who work with troubled kids will have heard about ADHD - unless they’re living under a rock!
In my experience, though, many don’t know much beyond the very basics.
In fact, lots of people I speak to have a view of ADHD limited to kids with an unusual degree of physical hyperactivity. The fidgety kids who can’t sit still – ‘Oh, he’s the one with ADHD.’
We need a broader sense of what ADHD is and of how it affects children’s functioning, if we’re to really help them push through and do better.
🚨 DISCLAIMER: what follows is a very brief aggregation of my reading – I am not a clinician. If you need help or an assessment for yourself or for someone else, please consult a doctor 🚨
DEFINITION (ish!)
In a nutshell
Here’s my very brief, non-medical, summary of what it is:
💡 ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neuro-developmental condition that commonly affects children but can persist into adulthood. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life.
Some key summary points about ADHD
* Definition: ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition which contributes to children (and adults) experiencing abnormal levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
* Prevalence: It is one of the most common childhood neuro-developmental disorders. It is thought to affect around 5-10% of children. Symptoms normally appear in early childhood, but they very often persist into the teenage years and beyond, into adulthood.
* Inattention: Sustaining attention is perhaps the most prevalent symptom of ADHD. This shows itself in distractibility (i.e. difficulty paying attention), forgetfulness (e.g. losing things, not keeping appointments), struggling to follow instructions and difficulties with [complex] task-completion.
* Hyperactivity: Perhaps the most well-known symptom, hyperactivity manifests as excessive physical agitation, such as fidgeting, restlessness, and having trouble sitting still. People with ADHD may struggle to engage in quiet activities and seem to be ‘on the go’ all the time. I’ve heard it described as feeling like having a dynamo inside - this is how I describe my own experience of hyperactivity.
* Impulsivity: Impulsivity refers to acting without thought for potential consequences – act first, think…whenever! Individuals with ADHD may also cut across conversations and interrupt people, and/or struggle with self-control (e.g. saying ill-thought-through and/or inappropriate things, buying things they can’t really afford, acting rashly or taking risks, etc.).
Subtypes
ADHD is classified into 3 subtypes:
* Predominantly inattentive presentation,
* Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, or
* Combined presentation (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity).
For the diagnostic detail - learn more here.
Diagnosis
* Diagnosis is typically made through a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist, sometimes in partnership with a clinical psychologist, who follow a diagnostic manual – either DSM-V (North American) or ICD-11 (World Health Organisation).
* Nurses (psychiatric, mental health, learning disability), occupational therapists and speech and language therapists can also play an important role in the process of a comprehensive assessment.
Symptoms
* These must be significant and present for at least 6 months, start before the age of 12, be outside of what’s normal for the person’s age & intellectual functioning, be present in multiple different settings and have a notable negative impact on everyday life (e.g. school, work, social relationships).
‘Causes’
* This is the focus of great debate and much ongoing research! But the truth of it is likely to be some combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors, possibly differing from person to person. Differences in brain structure, differences in functioning and neurotransmitter imbalances, may also contribute to the condition.
‘Scientists have not yet identified the specific causes of ADHD. While there is growing evidence that genetics contribute to ADHD and several genes have been linked to the disorder, no specific gene or gene combination has been identified as the cause of the disorder. However, it is important to note that relatives of individuals with ADHD are often also affected. There is evidence of anatomical differences in the brains of children with ADHD in comparison to other children without the condition.’ (American Psychiatric Association)
If my reading is representative, then there seems to be more weight given (generally) to the genetic/heritable hypothesis than the developmental/traumagenic one.
If you’d like to read more on the view that trauma and/or early attachment issues may significantly contribute to the development of ADHD (a view I have a lot of sympathy with), try Gabor Maté’s book, Scattered Minds - The Origins & Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder.
Comorbidities
* ADHD often coexists with other conditions like learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders and depression - for example.
* These ‘comorbidities’ can further complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
* Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of approaches, including (but not limited to) coaching, behavioural interventions/practical strategies, therapy and medication.
* The regimen for each person is unique and requires regular review, particularly where medications are a feature.
* Those diagnosed as adults often find that many of their habits, past times and organisational methods are adaptations they’ve made to help them cope more effectively with the condition. Further development and refinement of these can be a useful part of the treatment journey, helped by coaching, support groups, therapy and/or discussions with friends who have ADHD.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Clearly, ADHD is a lot more than being a ‘fidgety kid.’ This an an unhelpful stereotype.
Rather, it is a complex condition that has real and troublesome impacts on everyday life. It needs looking at carefully by qualified people so children (and adults like me!) can get the help they need.
Please let me know about your experiences!
More information:
* BOOK: Scattered Minds - The Origins & Healing of ADHD by Gabor Maté - click here (affiliate link)
* BOOK: ADHD 2.0 by Ed Halliwell & John Ratey - click here (affiliate link)
* ADHD Test: Do I Have ADHD? - click here
* ADHD Test: For Women - click here
Want to get in touch?
* Drop me a line here.
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©️ Jonny Matthew 2024
