ADHD – spotting the signs

What comes to your mind when someone mentions ADHD? ADHD is comprised of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness; however, we usually picture behaviours such as disruption, being unable to sit still, concentrate and focus. Although people with ADHD can and do present with these behaviours, symptoms manifest in many ways outside of the stereotypical view. People with ADHD can also struggle with hyperfixation, starting tasks (leading to procrastination), racing thoughts, managing emotions, increased sensitivity to their senses, and more. 

Factors such as age and gender, among many other factors, can play an important role in the presentation of symptoms. For example, women with ADHD are much more likely to be inattentive rather than hyperactive or impulsive, which is more prevalent in males. Inattentiveness can show up as forgetfulness, emotional dysregulation, struggling with making friends and anxiety. They are also more likely to mask their symptoms, which contributes to lower diagnosis rates of ADHD in women. Children with ADHD may have trouble waiting their turn or may make careless mistakes whereas adults with ADHD may struggle to manage their finances or hold down a relationship. Often, symptoms are easier to spot in school settings, where children meet the same people every day, than in adult life. 

The same neurodivergent trait or symptom of said trait can produce drastically different presentations between different people. However, preconceived ideas of what ADHD looks like means that only those who present with the 'obvious' symptoms get a diagnosis and treatment, creating huge inequalities in the population between who's receiving a diagnosis and treatment and who isn't. 

I'd like to encourage you to think about the less obvious signs of ADHD and how differently it can present from person to person. Getting a diagnosis shouldn't be dependent on clinicians' views of what ADHD 'should' look like. By collaborating with our clients, educating ourselves and others, we can better spot the signs of ADHD and give people access to the support and treatment they may desperately need. 

Amisha Soni
Maidenhead