By Willemien Jansen (Health Systems Trust Copy and Content Editor)
National Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Day is celebrated on 14 September in South Africa. The aim of this day is to create awareness and spread information about this often misunderstood disorder.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders mainly considered in children, but it can persist throughout adolescence and adulthood. Hyperactivity, or excessive activity, trouble focusing and paying attention, and trouble managing behaviour are some symptoms. A child with ADHD may find it challenging to do duties at home, get along with other kids or adults, or succeed in school as a result of these symptoms. People with ADHD may also struggle with working memory, attention span maintenance, and executive function—the brain's capacity to start an activity, organise itself, and complete tasks.
There are three different presentations of ADHD, namely:
It's important to note that a person can change presentations during the course of their life.
Common symptoms of ADHD
According to Masiviwe, some common symptoms of ADHD are:
Inattention:
Having difficulty with details and making careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Finding it hard to stay focused on tasks, especially those that are less enjoyable or repetitive.
Difficulty with organising.
Frequently losing or misplacing things.
Hyperactivity:
Difficulty in keeping still or staying seated, even when it's expected (like in the classroom or at work).
Excessive talking or interrupting others during conversations or activities.
Impulsivity:
Masiviwe also provides some strategies on how to manage symptoms.
A misunderstood condition
ADHD is misunderstood for a number of reasons. People don't fully understand this disorder and children displaying them might be labelled as 'unruly' and 'naughty', when really they are struggling with a complicated brain disorder. ADHD can also manifest differently in different individuals. Some struggle more with symptoms of attention deficit while others struggle more with hyperactivity. There is a lot of stigma and misconceptions surrounding ADHD. People are often labelled as 'lazy' rather than recognising that they have a neurological condition. This keeps people from seeking the help they need and has a big impact on the sufferer's self-esteem. ADHD symptoms also overlap with other medical conditions like anxiety, depression and learning disabilities, which makes it harder to diagnose.
ADHD is not only a disorder in childhood
For many years ADHD was seen as a childhood disorder. This meant that adolescents and adults who struggled with the disorder were not diagnosed and suffered in silence. According to an article by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) "this changed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Adolescents and adults can now officially be diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 mentions and gives examples of how the disorder presents in adolescents and adults (aged 17 and older)." Instead of going all the way back to the patient's early years (age 7), clinicians now consider the patient's middle childhood (age 12) and adolescence when diagnosing an adult with ADHD.
How do I get diagnosed with ADHD?
In an article published by Mediclinic, Dr Rykie Liebenberg, a Mediclinic Sandton psychiatrist with a special interest in ADHD and anxiety disorders, explains that a diagnosis is clinical, which means it needs to be made by a specialist psychiatrist or another healthcare professional with expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD, "No computer tests, neuroimaging modalities, electroencephalogram tests (recording of brain activity) or psychometric tests will make the diagnosis. Instead you'll need to undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical and psychiatric history, and a structured interview," says Dr Liebenberg. If possible, family members, partners or close friends will be interviewed about your childhood behaviour, family and developmental history, current behaviour and symptoms.
Where can I get support if I have ADHD?
SADAG has a toll-free ADHD line aimed at assisting those affected by ADHD. The helpline number is 0800 55 44 33.