Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a variable pattern of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children, but it can also persist into adulthood. ADHD is a lifelong condition, but with effective management strategies, individuals can learn to navigate its challenges while still experiencing its presence. You may sometimes hear people say ‘ADD’ which stands for ‘Attention Deficit Disorder,’ this term is now encapsulated within ‘ADHD’ as people are no longer diagnosed with ‘ADD’. When someone is diagnosed with ADHD, they are given a sub-type of the condition, either inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or they can be combined type.
Symptoms of ADHD
Challenges with Focus and Attention:
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Frequent mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
- Seems not to listen when spoken to directly
- Fails to follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks
- Difficulty organising tasks and activities
- Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Often loses things
- Easily distracted
- Difficulties with short term memory
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:
- Fidgets a lot, e.g. Rocking leg up and down
- Finds it hard to remain in the same place
- Unable to participant in activities that they do not find stimulating, e.g. Social activities
- Their mind feels like it is constantly thinking about things, like a motor
- They may talk a lot
- Finishing sentences
- Find it hard to wait their turn
- Interrupts other people
What Causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors:
- Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families. ADHD is highly heritable and you will often see generations of families with similar traits and behaviours.
- Brain function and structure: Differences in the brain’s anatomy and functionality, namely with the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline which impact the pre-frontal cortex of the brain. Differences in imaging of scans has been in the brains of those with ADHD.
ADHD Diagnosis Process
Diagnosis of ADHD involves a comprehensive and often lengthy evaluation, often including:
- Clinical interviews with the child, parents, and teachers
- Behaviour rating scales and checklists
- Psychological testing
- Medical examination to rule out other causes
It’s important to note that ADHD is often diagnosed after a long history of mental health difficulties or educational challenges. Reflecting on childhood experiences and how ADHD may have had an impact on their life is often a challenging time, and many people who are diagnosed with ADHD will say “things now make sense.”
Private Diagnosis for ADHD
Creased Puddle are able to provide a clinical diagnostic assessment via our trusted partners. This report can then be combined with a workplace assessment for a comprehensive support package. With coaching and these support services, we begin to see the real impact of ADHD diagnosis. A common question we are asked is “why should I get diagnosed?”. The answer to that is the knowledge and understanding of your brain, what adjustments to make and to find out how your employer can support you.
Right to Choose for ADHD
In England, the Right to Choose scheme enables you to choose your mental health provider. If there is a lengthy wait on the NHS then you can select a private provider to conduct your ADHD assessment and treatment. Creased Puddle can help, we can provide you ADHD coaching through this process and in the interim provide workplace assessments to ensure that you are receiving the right support at work.
How to Use Right to Choose?
The charity ADHD UK have helpfully put together a guide on how to use the Right to Choose service, with templates for your GP referral.
Referral Via Your GP
You can be referred to the NHS for an ADHD assessment via your GP. They will ask you to complete an initial screening questionnaire which will indicate whether you should be considered for a full diagnostic assessment.
ADHD Coaching
What is ADHD Coaching?
ADHD Coaching requires specific understanding of the strengths and challenges that individuals have with ADHD. At Creased Puddle our coaching team are very experienced with thousands of hours of supporting people with ADHD.
Support for ADHD
Are you looking for guidance on ADHD or seeking support? Creased Puddle can help, send us an enquiry below and we will respond as soon as possible.
ADHD Resources
Here are some additional resources that will help with understanding ADHD: