01/10/2024
October is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month.
It's a time to drive understanding and awareness of ADHD.
Key Symptoms:
1. Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organising activities.
2. Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting, talking, and difficulty staying still.
3. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one’s turn.
Types:
1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Primarily symptoms of inattention.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Primarily symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
3. Combined Presentation: A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
The 5 phases of ADHD are:
1. Awareness & Diagnosis - Recognising the systems and seeking a diagnosis.
2. Understanding & Education - Learning about ADHD and understanding the symptoms
3. Treatment & Management - Taking action which may include therapy, lifestyle changes or medication
4. Adjustment & Adaptation - Adapting to ADHD, including learning from experiences and refining the support system you have
5. Growth & Empowerment - Embracing your strengths and weaknesses.