ADHD

A self-regulation problem1

Difficulties with time management, inhibition, starting tasks and sustained attention drive the everyday problems.

On a spectrum1

ADHD is the extreme low end of a continuous trait of executive function and self-regulation, not a separate category.

Hyperfocus1

Trouble stopping an ongoing activity, even when you want to, is the flip side of poor sustained attention.

Three presentations1

Mainly inattentive, mainly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined; DSM-5 treats these as presentations that can change over time.

Inattentive: losing focus4

Struggling to pay attention through meetings, lectures or long reading, or drifting to unrelated thoughts in the middle of a conversation.

Inattentive: organisation and deadlines4

Trouble organising work documents and belongings, scheduling time and meeting deadlines; putting off reports and long papers.

Inattentive: losing and forgetting4

Repeatedly misplacing documents, glasses, wallets, keys or phones, and forgetting bill payments, chores or appointments.

Hyperactive-impulsive: restlessness4

Leaving one's seat during a meeting or lecture, fidgeting or tapping hands or feet, or simply feeling restless.

Hyperactive-impulsive: talking and interrupting4

Talking a lot, blurting out answers, finishing other people's sentences, interrupting, and finding it hard to wait one's turn.

Accommodation: time management5

Common workplace accommodations include to-do lists, help with prioritising, meetings to clarify expectations, and timers, apps and calendars.

Accommodation: distraction5

A quiet workspace, noise-cancelling headphones or white noise, uninterrupted work time, and working from home when the office can't be adapted.

Accommodation: memory and organisation5

Written instructions, reminders, colour-coded materials, and calendars and planners.

Accommodation: restlessness5

Structured breaks as a physical outlet, a private workspace, or a job coach to teach and reinforce techniques.

It looks different1

Children climb and run; adults more often feel unable to relax, talk a lot, act impulsively or seek sensation.

Persistence1

About 15% of children with ADHD still meet full criteria at 25, and 50% still have some symptoms.

Under-diagnosed1

Most adults with ADHD remained untreated as of 2010; it is also overlooked in girls and women.

Diagnosis needs childhood1

Adult diagnosis generally requires symptoms since childhood, sometimes recalled with tools like the Wender Utah Rating Scale.

Medication works best1

Stimulants are first-line; about 70% respond to the first stimulant tried.

Adults3

Amphetamines, methylphenidate, bupropion and atomoxetine beat placebo in adults; long-term effects need more research.

Psychological help2

CBT, psychoeducation, behavioural strategies and coaching help adults organise daily life, especially alongside medication.

Behavioural therapy first for some1

Behavioural therapy is first-line for mild symptoms and preschool children; parent training helps behaviour problems.

What lacks support1

Exercise and diet changes have no proven benefit for core symptoms, and neurofeedback is controversial.

Over- or under-diagnosis1

Diagnosis has risen since the 1970s; youngest children in a class are diagnosed more, suggesting subjectivity, while adults may be under-diagnosed.

Social construct view1

Some, such as Thomas Szasz, argue the line between normal and disordered behaviour is socially set.