ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adults. It can affect daily life, school, self-esteem and social interactions. Symptoms include a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Recognising ADHD symptoms is important for getting the right treatment and support. This blog post will cover typical behaviours, core behaviours in children, signs and symptoms in adults, when to talk to a specialist and how to get a diagnosis.
What are typical behaviours associated with ADHD?
People with ADHD show a range of behaviours which are generally classified as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
ADHD symptoms in children
The symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers are well-defined, and they’re usually noticeable before the age of 6. They occur in more than 1 situation, such as at home and school. Children may have symptoms of both inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, or they may have symptoms of just 1 of these types of behaviour.
Inattentiveness (lack of focus and concentration)
People with ADHD show a range of behaviours which are generally classified as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The main signs of inattentiveness are:
- easily distracted and having a short attention span
- making mistakes – for example, in school
- appearing forgetful or always misplacing things
- struggling with staying focused on tasks that are tedious or take up a lot of time.
- appearing to be unable to listen to or follow instructions
- constantly changing activity or task
- struggling to organize tasks.
Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness are:
- Having trouble remaining still, particularly in calm or quiet environments.
- constantly fidgeting
- struggles with focusing on a task
- excessive physical movement
- excessive talking
- being unable to wait their turn
- acting without thinking
- interrupting conversations
- little or no sense of danger
These symptoms can have negative impacts on a child’s life, such as underperforming in school, difficulties in socializing, and behavioural issues.
ADHD symptoms in adults
Adults with ADHD often struggle to define their symptoms, as research on adult ADHD is limited. Many believe that ADHD must first appear in childhood before developing in adults. However, symptoms of ADHD in children often persist into adulthood. How inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness manifest in adults can vary greatly from their effects on children. Hyperactivity tends to decrease with age, while inattentiveness may persist and even worsen with the pressures of adult life. Symptoms of ADHD in adults are usually more subtle than those in children. Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to that for kids, including medications, therapy, and addressing any other mental health issues that may be present. Some specialists have compiled a list of symptoms associated with ADHD in adults:
- struggling to pay attention to details
- always jumping into new tasks without finishing old ones
- poor organisational skills
- inability to focus or prioritise
- always losing or misplacing things
- forgetfulness
- feeling restless and on edge
- difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
- Interrupting and blurting out responses.
- mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
- inability to deal with stress
- extreme impatience
- engaging in risky behaviour often involves little or no concern for personal safety or the safety of others, such as driving recklessly
When to talk to a specialist
If you experience symptoms some or many of the symptoms listed above that are disrupting your life, consider speaking to a clinician about the possibility of having ADHD. If you are worried about your child having ADHD, the first step is to consult a healthcare provider to see if the symptoms align with an ADHD diagnosis. The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional or primary care provider like your GP who has experience treating ADHD. Look for ADHD specialists with appropriate training and certification in this area.
Next steps and getting diagnosed
Diagnosing ADHD involves multiple steps as there isn’t a single test to confirm it. Other issues like sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities can share similar symptoms with ADHD. The diagnosis process will likely include:
- An exam, either online or physical, can help determine other potential reasons for your symptoms
- Collecting information involves asking questions about your medical history, current health issues, and the symptoms you are experiencing
- ADHD rating scales or psychological tests are used to gather and assess information about your symptoms
- For children, observations in multiple settings, such as home and school, can offer valuable insights into a child’s behaviour
- It is important to consider other conditions that may present similar symptoms to ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities
ADHD is a neurological condition that is often noticed in childhood and involves difficulty with focusing, planning, attention, emotions, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms can vary in severity. If you suspect you have ADHD and were not diagnosed as a child, consider getting evaluated.
Are you still struggling with ADHD symptoms, even after trying to manage them on your own? It might be time to seek outside help.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a variety of treatments, such as behavioural coaching, therapy, support groups, counselling, and medication. Treatment should involve a team of professionals, along with family and spouses. With the right support, you can learn to control impulsive behaviours, manage your time and money, get organized, boost productivity, handle stress, and improve communication. Getting a diagnosis is key to managing ADHD and accessing the right treatments, like therapy, meds, lifestyle changes, and support. To learn more about available treatment options and which ones may work well for you, book an assessment with our team.