What is Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder (ADHD?)
The World Health Organization describes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be a neurodevelopmental difference characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity impulsivity that has a direct negative impact on academic, occupational or social functioning. Across cultures, the symptoms of ADHD consistently fall into these two separate dimensions, however culture can influence acceptability of symptoms as well as how caregivers respond to them. Inattention refers to significant difficulty in sustaining attention to tasks that do not provide a high level of stimulation or frequent rewards, distractibility and differences with organisation.
Hyperactivity refers to excessive motor activity and difficulties with remaining still, most evident in structured situations that require behavioural self-control. Impulsivity is a tendency to act in response to immediate stimuli, without deliberation or consideration of the risks and consequences. The relative balance and the specific manifestations of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive characteristics varies across individuals and may change over the course of development. Nearly half of all children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to exhibit symptoms and associated difficulties into adolescence and approximately one-third into adulthood. Early diagnosis will provide an opportunity for early intervention, which in turn may improve an individual’s quality of life across the lifespan. Research data from the Lancet and NICE suggests a childhood incidence rate of 5% and an adult incidence rate of 3-4%. That provides for a total estimate of 2.6million people in the UK with ADHD (694,000 children, 1.9 million adults).
Signs of ADHD in Children & Young People
Signs of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a young person’s ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).
Signs of being inattentive:
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being easily distracted
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finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions
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forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks
Signs of being hyperactive and impulsive:
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having high energy levels
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fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet
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talking noisily
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feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they’re supposed to sit still
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finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations
Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.
ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.