Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by excessive amounts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. People with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active. Although ADHD can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed and some symptoms may improve as the child ages.
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. A child with ADHD might:
– daydream a lot
– forget or lose things a lot
– squirm or fidget
– talk too much
– make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
– have a hard time resisting temptation
– have trouble taking turns
– have difficulty getting along with others
ADHD can last into adulthood. Some adults have ADHD but have never been diagnosed. The symptoms can cause difficulty at work, at home, or with relationships. Symptoms may look different at older ages, for example, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness. Symptoms can become more severe when the demands of adulthood increase.
Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult, as the symptoms can make everyday activities more of a challenge. It’s important to get the support you need to understand and cope with your (or your child’s) condition.
If you’re living with ADHD, you may find the following advice useful:
If you find it hard to stay organized, try making lists, keeping diaries, sticking up reminders and setting aside some time to plan what you need to do
– Let off steam by exercising regularly, focusing on your physical wellbeing
– find ways to help you relax, such as listening to music, or learning some breathing exercises to keep yourself calm and
relieve anxiety and stress.
If you have a job, speak to your employer about your condition, and discuss anything they can do to help you work better
If you’re at college or university, ask about what adjustments can be made to support you, such as extra time to complete exams and coursework
Contacting or joining local or national support groups and organisations can put you in touch with other people in a similar situation, and can be a good source of support, information and advice.
Eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising regularly can help you stay calm, minimize mood swings, and fight any symptoms of anxiety and depression. Healthier habits can also reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and distractibility, while regular routines can help your life feel more manageable, turning chaos into calm.