ADHD

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are not aligned with the individual’s developmental stage. For an individual to be diagnosed, the behaviour and difficulties associated with ADHD must significantly affect an individual's functioning. ADHD can have significant impacts on various aspects on an individual's life, including academic performance, occupational performance, or social relationships. However, with an individual based intervention and support, individual with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms.  

An individual with ADHD might:  

• Forget or lose things a lot 
• Making careless mistakes or taking unnecessary risks 
• Have trouble taking turns 
• Have difficulties forming meaningful relationships 
• Squirm or fidget 
• Talking a lot 
• Finding it difficult to resist temptations 

Individuals with ADHD have difficulties with:  

• Executive functions, including organising and planning, attention, flexibility, working memory, self-monitoring, emotional regulation, and initiation and inhibition.  
• Inattention, difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted.  
• Hyperactivity, including fidgeting and tapping hands or feet, difficulty staying seated, restlessness, and excessive talking.  
• Impulsivity, including impatience (i.e., having difficulties waiting for ones turn), blurting out answers, interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or activities, and difficulty in delaying gratification or controlling impulse.  

It is important to consider that these symptoms can manifest differently across age groups.  

There are three types of ADHD, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a standard classification manual:  

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PI; also known as ADD): Individuals with this presentation primarily exhibit symptoms or inattention.  
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-PH): Individuals with this display hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour more prominently.  
• Combined Presentation (ADHD-C): Individuals with this presents characteristics of inattention and hyperactivity.  

In children, ADHD can be diagnosed at the age of 6 years old as the ADHD characteristics can improve with age. A child and adolescents between the age of 6 and 16 years old must meet 6 symptoms. ADHD often lasts into adulthood. To diagnose ADHD in adults and adolescents aged 17 years or older, must meet 5 characteristics. In order to receive a diagnosis, these characteristics of ADHD must be present for 6 months.