Mark Brandtman
ADHD Coaching and Mentoring

ADHD

 
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WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder that affects approximately 5% of school-aged children and 4% of adults. It is a chronic condition that can persist into adulthood in approximately 60% of cases.

ADHD is characterized by poor concentration and impulse regulation, hyperactivity, and difficulties in multiple areas of daily functioning, including school, work, and relationships. Individuals with ADHD may also experience difficulty with emotional regulation, chronic anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

The Impact of ADHD on Quality of Life

The impact of ADHD on individuals' lives can be significant. People with ADHD may struggle to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or obey authority figures, and may make poor, impulsive decisions that put them in harm's way or result in legal trouble.

If left undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, ADHD can lead to a lifetime of missed opportunities, unnecessary struggle, low self-esteem, and a diminished quality of life.

However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD can vary in degree and frequency and may include:

  • Making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other settings

  • Difficulty sustaining attention or following through on instructions

  • Failing to listen when spoken to directly

  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

  • Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort

  • Losing or frequently misplacing items needed for daily tasks

  • Easily distracted by external stimuli

  • Forgetfulness in daily activities

  • Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming in seat

  • Talking excessively or blurting out things without thinking

  • Impatience or trouble waiting in queues or when required to do so

  • Interrupting or butting into conversations.

About ADHD Diagnosis

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of ADHD is crucial and should always be done by a medical health professional. The diagnostic process typically involves a comprehensive assessment that may include the following:

  • Consultation with a GP to rule out other conditions

  • Family history, school records, and input from family members or other caregivers

  • Use of rating scales or questionnaires to assess current behaviors and lifestyle

  • IQ testing to evaluate cognitive abilities

  • Referral to a pediatrician or psychiatrist for further evaluation and investigation of the symptoms presented.

How is ADHD treated?

The most effective approach for treating ADHD involves a range of interventions, commonly referred to as the "multimodal" approach, which may include:

  • Education and family support to help individuals and their families understand the condition and manage its symptoms effectively

  • Occupational and speech therapy to improve daily functioning

  • Psychologists to provide counseling and support for emotional regulation and behavioral challenges

  • IQ and other educational testing to identify areas of strength and weakness and develop personalized interventions

  • One-to-one coaching to help individuals with ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms effectively

  • Medication, which can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.