Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD and developmental disorders that can affect both children and adults. ADHD is typically characterised by difficulties in concentrating, problems with speech and actions, and impulsive behaviour. ADHD in particular is also associated with excessive energy and hyperactive behaviour, whereas those with ADD don’t tend to exhibit this hyperactivity and instead, tend to be more shy.
The symptoms of ADHD and ADD can vary from person to person, and also according to whether the sufferer is a child or an adult.
ADHD and ADD symptoms:
The symptoms of ADHD and ADD can be separated into inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive signs:
Inattentiveness symptoms:
- Easily distracted, with a short attention span
- Struggling to concentrate for long periods of time, and making simple mistakes at work.
- Sticking to just one task is difficult for them and they may want to switch between several different tasks
- An inability to stick to tasks that are time-consuming, or those that they perceive to be ‘boring’
- Difficulty organising themselves when carrying out tasks or activities
- Losing things often and being forgetful
- Inability to listen to or carry out instructions
- Frequently ‘daydreaming’
Hyperactivity and impulsiveness symptoms:
- Primarily in ADHD, you may struggle to sit still in quiet environments
- Fidgeting constantly and being unable to relax
- Pacing around and difficulty sitting through work related meetings
- Talking excessively
- Unable to wait their turn, such as, traffic, queuing in stores, waiting for bus, trains
- Tends to act without thinking
- Often interrupts others and guesses answers rather than taking the time to think them through
- Reduced sense of danger or make impulsive decisions
- Interrupting conversations and other people’s meetings
ADHD and ADD may also appear alongside a number of other problems or conditions, such as, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Dyslexia, Autism, Tourette’s Syndrome and Substance dependency.
