ADHD- not just hyperactivity
You may have heard of ADHD or ADD and have some preconceived ideas about what it looks like. Most people picture a very hyperactive little boy bouncing off the walls. Some people even think it’s not a ‘real’ condition and is just a child who needs less sugar and more discipline. But ADHD is a very real and complex neurological condition that affects 10% of the world’s population- both boys, girls and adults too. You can have genetic testing to determine if you have one of the 16 genes that contribute to the diagnosis and ADHD is visible on a brain scan.
Causes of ADHD:
- Genetics
- Traumatic brain injuries- particularly the temporal and frontal lobe
- Complications during birth
Not caused by:
Parents- but they can help reduce negative symptoms and challenges
Too much sugar- the sugar high myth has been de-bunked in the literature. Artificial food additives and colourings can however exacerbate ADHD.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many ADHDers dislike that acronym though. Some would actually describe ADHD not as an attention deficit but attention difference as many people with ADHD can become very hyper focussed and actually have trouble switching attention. Others describe their experience of ADHD more of an executive function disorder- having difficulties with organisation skills, memory and time management. Physical hyperactivity is also not a pre-requisite of ADHD- more brain hyperactivity. Girls and women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed as they have more internal struggles than the obvious hyperactive presentation.
Types of ADHD according to Dr Daniel Amen:
- Classic ADHD – Inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity & disorganisation.
- Inattentive ADHD – Short attention span, distractibility, disorganisation, procrastination.
- Over-focused ADHD – Core ADHD symptoms plus great trouble shifting attention, can easily get locked into negative thoughts or behaviours.
- Anxious ADHD – Anxiety, extreme tension, frequent headaches and stomach aches, predict the worst, fear of being judged
- Temporal Lobe ADHD – Core ADHD symptoms plus Temporal Lobe Symptoms i.e., memory, learning, mood stability, anger and aggression.
- Limbic ADHD – Moodiness, low energy, frequent feelings of helplessness, guilt, chronic low self-esteem.
- Ring of Fire ADHD – Sensory sensitivity to noise, light or touch, unpredictable behaviour, fast talking, on a brain scan it looks like a ring of hyperactivity around the brain.
If you think your child may have ADHD then the first step is to see a paediatrician. If you think you may have ADHD then you can get a diagnosis as an adult by seeing a psychiatrist. They can talk to you about treatment options which usually include medication and therapy. A speech pathologist can help children with ADHD who may have difficulties with language, literacy and social skills as a result of ADHD. Many people with ADHD who were diagnosed as adults describe how they felt their life was a struggle and they didn’t know why- particularly schooling. If diagnosed and treated early ( usually age 5 or 6) many people with ADHD do well at school and go on to work and university and successful relationships. Having ADHD that is well managed can actually be really positive. People with ADHD are often social and outgoing, think outside the box, more willing to take risks and jump at new opportunities. ADHD can be a superpower if channelled in the right direction.
Written by Calla Dolton Speech Pathologist
