An Overview of ADHD (NHS & Private)
What is ADHD its Symptoms & Impacts
What is ADHD ?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people focus, manage impulses, and regulate energy levels. It is estimated to affect around 3-4% of adults in the UK.
ADHD can affect many areas of life, including education, work, relationships, and day-to-day responsibilities. While ADHD is often first identified in childhood, many people are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Types of ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms are usually grouped into two main areas:
Inattention
- Difficulty sustaining focus on routine or lengthy tasks
- Trouble following instructions
- Challenges staying organised
- Starting tasks but switching to others before finishing
- Drifting off or 'zoning out' during conversations
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Restlessness or feeling constantly 'on the go'
- Frequently interrupting others in conversation
- Talking excessively in social settings
- Acting without recognising potential risks
- Making impulsive decisions, such as overspending
Impact of ADHD
ADHD can present challenges at different stages of life. Typically, ADHD symptoms are present throughout childhood and are often picked up. However, it is possible that one may not have received the diagnosis at a young age, and the full symptoms of the condition only start to manifest in their adult life.
In children, ADHD may affect school performance, classroom behaviour, and friendships. Left undiagnosed this can affect a child’s understanding of themselves including their self-image and self -confidence.
In adults, it can contribute to difficulties maintaining relationships, performing at work, or managing everyday responsibilities. Many adults also find ADHD affects executive functions such as planning, organisation, and time management, getting easily distracted, finding it hard to focus or stay in the moment for too long. This can sometimes lead to finding themselves having trouble due to impulsive behaviours, including issues with temper and frustration. Additionally, people with undiagnosed ADHD can find themselves turning to substance or alcohol abuse in the hope of relaxing or feeling less on edge and fidgety.
Without an understanding of why these difficulties are occurring, they can negatively impact self-esteem and may contribute to depression and other mental health difficulties
ADHD can affect anyone, regardless of background, sex, or intelligence. It is important to note that no one is 'too capable' or 'too smart' to have ADHD. The condition is also frequently underdiagnosed in women, which can delay access to support.