ADHD Learning Disorders

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a developmental disorder characterised by difficulties with concentration, attention and impulse control, impacting a person’s day-to-day life. ADHD treatment can help you, and it may include medication, CBT therapy, and Couples Counselling for those experiencing relationship difficulties.

ADHD can affect both children and adults. Adults with ADHD often struggle when needing to concentrate for long periods and may be easily distracted and act before thinking things through. Some people may experience these difficulties at some time in their lives. However, adults with ADHD experience these issues on an ongoing basis, affecting their lives, school, work and relationships.

ADHD can be diagnosed during childhood. However, it can go undiagnosed until adulthood. That can lead adults to experience years of struggle with ADHD symptoms and the effects on their lives and relationships.

ADHD can present differently in adults and children. For example, hyperactivity is often seen in children with ADHD. Adults, however, may experience restlessness, impulsivity, and distractibility.

There are three types of ADHD, depending on the main difficulties the person is experiencing.

1. Predominantly Inattentive Type
The person has symptoms of inattention, such as difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, and poor organisation skills. Previously, this type was called ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Hyperactivity symptoms include excessive movement, such as fidgeting, excessive energy, inability to stay still, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting their turn. Impulsivity refers to decisions or actions taken without thinking through the consequences. A person with this type of ADHD may have fewer symptoms of inattention.

3. Combined presentation
A combination of both types. For example, a person may struggle with staying focused, forgetfulness, poor organisation skills, restlessness, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting their turn.

A person with ADHD may not fit neatly into one of the types above. A psychologist or psychiatrist can assess ADHD and provide a diagnosis based on your specific symptoms and circumstances.

ADHD symptoms vary depending on the individual and the type of ADHD they present with. Common symptoms of ADHD are:

• Inattention. Individuals experiencing ADHD may find it difficult to stay on task. They can be easily distracted by external stimuli and be seen as daydreaming. As a result, they can struggle with organisation and prioritisation of tasks.
• Hyperactivity. Individuals with ADHD may fidget, squirm or talk excessively. They may find it difficult to sit still and stay quiet. Adults with hyperactivity often find it difficult to relax.
• Impulsivity. Impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD. Individuals with ADHD may act without thinking about the consequences. For instance, they can engage in risky behaviour like substance abuse or reckless driving. Also, they may interrupt others in conversation and struggle to wait their turn.
• Forgetfulness. Struggling with completing tasks that require sustained effort and attention is another common symptom experienced by those with ADHD. In addition, they may find it difficult to remember details. For instance, they may forget about appointments and lose things often.
• Poor time management. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to manage their time effectively. For instance, they may be late systemically and underestimate the time required to complete tasks.

Diagnosing ADHD can be challenging, as the symptoms may be attributed to other conditions or dismissed as personality traits. Therefore, an ADHD assessment by a trained and experienced Clinical Neuropsychologist or Psychologist is necessary to diagnose ADHD properly.

• A Clinical Neuropsychologist or Psychologist can assess and treat developmental, learning, behavioural and cognitive health disorders.
• A Psychiatrist has medical training and can assess and treat various mental health disorders and prescribe medications to address mental health symptoms.
• An ADHD assessment typically involves thoroughly evaluating an individual’s medical, developmental, psychological, and behavioural history, as well as clinical examination and psychological testing (ADHD tests). The psychologist or psychiatrist will also consider the patient’s self-reported symptoms and experiences.

ADHD can be diagnosed at any age. However, the disorder begins in childhood. Therefore, when considering an ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms must be present before the individual is 12 years old and must have caused difficulties in more than one setting. For instance, the symptoms can not only occur at home.

Psychologists aim for clients to leave feeling comfortable and supported heading into the assessment. In the first session, clients can expect questions about their goals, the challenges they are experiencing daily, their early life experience, and their experience adapting to changes in their environment. A psychologist will use this information to develop an assessment and support plan. The subsequent sessions focus on assessment and information gathering to inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and recommendations. These include ADHD tests, standardised questionnaires, activities, and tasks designed to identify strengths and weaknesses. These activities may feel like games and are often timed.

Typically, psychologists adapt their assessment reports according to each client’s goals and circumstances. Often, they include sections focused on the following:

• Diagnosis
• Consideration of ADHD criteria
• Client strengths and difficulties
• Personalised strategies and recommendations.

A considerable number of women and girls diagnosed with ADHD also meet the criteria for additional mental health issues, resulting in a more complex picture. Research indicates that women and girls with ADHD often display internalising symptoms, such as anxiety and depression (Quinn, 2008). Boys, on the other side, typically exhibit more overt behaviours like hyperactivity and impulsivity, reflecting a more straightforward externalising pattern (Quinn, 2008).