Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Learn about what ADHD is, how it may affect you and the risk of it being undiagnosed and untreated

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodivergence, which means having a brain and body that functions somewhat differently from the majority of people (neurotypical). Whilst there are advantages and disadvantages to that, society is easier to fit into when you are more like the majority (the norm).

Unrecognised, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD often has a big impact on daily life, school, work and relationships, as well as self-image and self-esteem.

ADHD is often associated with childhood, boys and physical hyperactivity, as this might be the easiest to recognise. However, as we learn to understand ADHD better, we are also realising that there are many ways to have ADHD. Some people compensate (mask) their ADHD traits to fit in with others without being aware of doing so. This seems particularly true for girls and women (or those raised and socialised as such), as well as more self-conscious boys and men, or those under pressure to conform. For most, compensating/masking continues into adulthood, people just get better at it, which can cause problems in that we do not feel able to be ourselves, which can lead to loneliness and exhaustion.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is now recognised as a misleading name, but we have not as yet managed to find a suitable alternative. People often experience ADHD as challenges with focus and concentration when doing something that they do not find very engaging, whilst hyperfocussing on areas that they find interesting, novel, urgent or challenging. This is affected by executive function, an aspect of the brain, not really within our control, as well as Dopamine (a chemical messenger in the brain and body), which seems to work a bit differently for people with ADHD. This can result in forgetfulness, procrastination and other barriers to functioning well. However, it can also mean that they are particularly good in a crisis and can achieve a lot in areas of special interest.

People with ADHD generally (not always) experience hyperactivity, either physically (externally) or in our minds (internally). This can mean that they achieve a lot, but it can also mean that they often feel restless and find it difficult to relax. They might also be more impulsive than others, more sensitive and experience emotional fluctuations. They can have quick responses, have a lot of empathy for others and be passionate and loving. It can also cause problems when making unhelpful decisions, and feeling that they cannot fit in easily with others and society’s expectations.

ADHD can be categorised in these 3 categories;

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Challenges with variable attention, less so with hyperactivity (this used to be called ADD)

Predominantly Hyperactive Presentation

Challenges mainly with hyperactivity and impulsivity, less with attention

Combined Presentation

Most common, with variable attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity

Assessment & Diagnosis

Unmanaged ADHD Risks

Undiagnosed ADHD commonly results in developing other difficulties, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, OCD and burnout.

This can arise from a lack of understanding of what ADHD is, misinterpretation of its traits, and compensation (masking) it with perfectionism, overworking and people-pleasing. People with ADHD might also develop PTSD, both as a result of difficulties in engaging with a society suited to the majority of people (the norm) and having grown up in families or environments where undiagnosed ADHD has caused problems.

Girls and women with ADHD (and people with a menstrual cycle not identifying as such), often face being more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations during their cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause, and can react in different ways to contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

As ADHD is affected by brain chemicals like Dopamine and Norepinephrine, some people try to manage this by using caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, overeating, over exercising, overspending, gambling, speeding, hypersexuality etc, which can cause their own problems.

People with ADHD are more likely to also have other types of neurodivergence like Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, ‘Aspergers’), Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential in addressing the challenges associated with unrecognised ADHD as well as these secondary challenges. Above all, understanding our ADHD, what it is and how it affects us as individuals is crucial to effectively manage the challenges we face and maximise our potential.