What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental (brain development) condition that begins in early childhood. ADHD used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD).

ADHD can cause issues in your daily life with:

• concentration
• staying focused
• hyperactivity
• being impulsive

This can affect a person's:

• schooling
• friendships
• work
• family life

Around 1 in 20 people in Australia has ADHD.

ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in young males, but it's also underdiagnosed in young females and adults.

Many children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms as adults. ADHD can also be first diagnosed in adulthood.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD can be described in 3 ways:

1. Inattentive symptoms — a person can be easily distracted but isn't hyperactive or impulsive.
2. Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms — a person has symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
3. Combined symptoms — a person has a mixture of symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

These terms can be confusing. Here's what they mean:

• Inattentive means having trouble focusing, being forgetful or disorganised.
• Hyperactive means being restless, often moving or fidgeting and finding it hard to sit still.
• Impulsive means acting without thinking, interrupting and finding it hard to wait.

Inattentive symptoms

People with inattentive ADHD may have symptoms such as:

• often starting but not finishing tasks
• putting off tasks that need sustained effort
• being easily distracted or daydreaming
• having trouble remembering things
• losing things

Other symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:

• having difficulty organising tasks, activities, belongings or time
• not following instructions
• not paying attention to detail and making careless mistakes
• struggling to focus and concentrate on tasks that are boring or tedious

Adults with ADHD may experience some of these symptoms differently from children. Adults with ADHD who experience inattentive symptoms may find it hard to manage their time and stay organised. They might change careers often.

Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

People with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may have symptoms such as:

• fidgeting and squirming more than others
• talking non-stop and interrupting conversations
• blurting out answers before the question has been finished
• reacting quickly to situations without thinking about the consequences

They may also:

• badger their parents, partner or friends when they want something
• find boredom hard to cope with
• look for stimulation
• participate in risk-taking or dangerous behaviour
• choose a smaller reward now rather than a larger reward later

Combined symptoms

Some people have symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

What causes ADHD?

Research has shown that ADHD symptoms are related to differences in the biology of your brain. People with ADHD have differences in their brain anatomy and function. The exact causes of ADHD aren't known. Genetic studies show that ADHD is an inherited disorder.

Environmental factors may contribute to the development of ADHD. These include:

• maternal smoking during pregnancy
• maternal drinking during pregnancy
• premature birth
• low birth weight

There are other environmental factors that can affect your brain's development and function:

• Toxins: chemicals like lead can affect brain development.
• Home environment: if there is a lot of conflict in the home or pressure put on the child.
• Early childhood trauma: children who go through trauma in early life are more likely to have symptoms of ADHD. However, most children with ADHD have not experienced early childhood trauma.

If you have other medical conditions, this can make you more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. This includes:

• anxiety or depression
• mental health conditions
• epilepsy
• acquired brain injury
• sleep disorders

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if your symptoms are making it difficult to function in daily life.

It's natural to feel restless and distracted from time to time. But when you have ADHD, your symptoms are persistent and interfere with your daily activities, such as work, school or friendships.

If you are worried that you or your child may have ADHD, the first step is to see a doctor. They will most likely refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

There are many behavioural disorders that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, especially in young children. It's important to have a proper assessment. There may be other reasons for being inattentive, impulsive or hyperactive.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There are clear criteria used to diagnose ADHD. A diagnosis will involve clinical interviews with a health professional, as well as medical and psychological assessments. Your doctor might speak to your family members, educators, parents or partner to understand how your symptoms affect your daily life.

For a diagnosis of ADHD, your symptoms need to:

• have lasted for more than 6 months
• have been present before the age of 12 years
• have caused serious impairment in at least 2 settings (such as at school, at home or with friends)
• interfere with daily functioning

In children, the diagnosis is usually made by a:

• paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in children)
• child psychiatrist or psychologist

Your doctor can give you a referral to see these specialists.

To diagnose ADHD in adulthood, it needs to be established that your symptoms began in childhood. You may be required to provide school reports.

How is ADHD treated?

There are many different treatment options for ADHD, depending on the needs of each person. Your health professional will help you understand the options for treatment and management of ADHD. They will help you develop a program that works best for you.

Treatment may involve different health professionals, including your:

• doctor
• psychologist
• psychiatrist
• paediatrician (child specialist)
• family therapist

Psychological treatments

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one type of psychological treatment that may help you develop strategies and skills for learning and managing your behaviour.

Psychotherapy can help you understand ADHD and learn how to manage your emotions and impulsive behaviours.

Couples or family counselling may be helpful for people who are experiencing relationship difficulties.

You can also have specialised training for people with ADHD to improve social skills and manage behaviour.

Medicine for ADHD

If your ADHD is having a big effect on your life, you might consider taking medicine.

Medicines used to treat ADHD can be stimulants or non-stimulants.

Stimulant medicines are usually the first type of medicine prescribed to treat ADHD. They can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may help you improve focus and learning.

Stimulant medicines have been shown to:

• safe, when taken as prescribed
• improve concentration
• improve impulse control
• reduce hyperactivity

Stimulants can cause side effects such as reduced appetite and difficulty falling asleep.

For people who experience side effects from these medicines, non-stimulant medicines are also available. Your doctor might prescribe a non-stimulant medicine for ADHD if:

• stimulants don't help your symptoms
• you can't take stimulants because of another medical condition (such as Tourette syndrome)
• you have side effects from taking stimulants

Read more about ADHD medicines.

Your doctor may also suggest a combination of psychological interventions and medicine to manage your ADHD.

Living with ADHD

Caring for a child with ADHD

If the person with ADHD is a child, their parents and teachers need to be involved in their treatment. You may be offered training to help support your child with ADHD.

The first step is often to use positive parenting strategies. It can help to stick to a routine and support your child to build their social skills.

Talk to the school to plan an environment where your child can learn. As a parent of someone with ADHD, it is important to keep in close communication with your child's teachers to make sure your child is receiving appropriate support.

If you are caring for a child with ADHD, the following tips may help:

• Have a routine.
• Try to keep any instructions clear and brief.
• Reward achievements and positive behaviour — this will help their self-esteem.
• Organise sports and hobbies for your child to help them use excess energy.
• Try to have one-on-one time with your child doing something they enjoy.

ADHD in teenagers

Many teenagers aren't diagnosed in childhood. As they become older, they find it more difficult to cope with change.

In the teenage years, ADHD may show up as:

• often running late
• being disorganised
• interrupting conversations
• daydreaming
• forgetting instructions
• procrastination (putting off tasks or decisions)
• multitasking (doing several things at once) when you should be focusing on one thing

You might also:

• worry a lot
• feel bad about yourself
• say things you shouldn't say

Having some of these symptoms doesn't mean you have ADHD. Everyone has some of these symptoms at times.

Teachers and other educators now know more about ADHD than in years gone by. Schools can access information, resources and expertise to support students.

It's important to get help and support. When ADHD is not identified or treated, it may increase the risk of negative behaviours, for example using alcohol or illegal drugs.

ADHD in adulthood

Adults with ADHD can:

• successfully learn to manage their lives
• feel they are just getting by, knowing they could achieve more
• struggle if they don't get the help they need to reach their potential

Adults with ADHD may experience:

• depression or anxiety
• substance misuse problems
• problems with family
• problems at work

What are the complications of ADHD?

It's important that people with ADHD get a diagnosis, treatment and support. This can help avoid problems in their daily lives. Problems that may occur as a result of ADHD include:

• poor learning and educational outcomes
• unemployment
• substance misuse

Many people with ADHD also have other conditions, such as:

• anxiety and depression
• learning difficulties
• autism

Obstructive sleep apnoea (a blocking of the airway during sleep) happens more often in people with ADHD. Poor sleep during the night can make it hard to concentrate the next day.

To best support a person with ADHD, it's important for them to get a proper assessment. Then they can get support, develop strategies and get the treatment they need.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Can ADHD be prevented?

ADHD is partly genetic and can't be completely prevented. Early interventions can reduce the impact of ADHD.

Treating ADHD at an early stage can prevent complications and difficulties caused by ADHD.

This includes problems with learning and socialising.

You can reduce the chance of your child developing ADHD by:

• not smoking during pregnancy
• avoiding alcohol during pregnancy
• reducing stress during pregnancy

Resources and support

You can find out more about ADHD from:

• your doctor
• specialists who work with people with ADHD, such as psychologists
• an ADHD coach

You can also find more resources and support from the following organisations:

• The ADHD Foundation offers support and education. You can call them on 1300 39 39 19.
• ADHD Australia has resources and a list of support groups across Australia.
• The Australian Psychological Society has information on ADHD in adults.
• The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association has resources to help parents of children with ADHD to support their children.
• headspace provides information to help young people with ADHD with life skills.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Visit WellMob Healing Our Way for social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources.

headspace has a range of ways to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and their families.

Yarning SafeNStrong is a free counselling service for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting individuals, friends and families.

Languages other than English

Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers. They offer parenting support for parents from culturally diverse backgrounds.

THIS WAY UP has coping tools and worksheets in languages other than English.