Video Transcription

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that can make focusing, paying attention, and controlling impulses tricky. It’s thought to affect how the brain sends and receives messages, which can impact different parts of life, like study, work, and relationships.

ADHD Symptoms

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms are divided into three key areas: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Inattention can make it hard to remember important things or focus for long periods. Impulsivity might mean struggling to wait or stop yourself from doing something, even if you know it’s not a good idea. Hyperactivity is when you feel restless and fidgety. It can be difficult to sit still, and you may want to talk and move a lot. These things persist and can have a big impact on our lives.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Specialist health professionals diagnose ADHD through a detailed assessment. This involves gathering lots of information about your medical history, how you think and act, what you are good at, and what challenges you face. They might also ask questions about what you were like when you were younger or how you interact with others. Family members and teachers might be consulted too.

Can ADHD be diagnosed online?

There is a lot of ADHD content on social media, but there is no online test for ADHD. You might have clicked on this video because you’re trying to understand if you have ADHD, but it’s really important not to self-diagnose based on what you see online, even if you relate to what others are saying. However, social media can be a great place for raising awareness and helping people with ADHD connect.

How does ADHD relate to other conditions?

It is not uncommon for people who have ADHD to also experience other challenges such as anxiety or depression. Sometimes, the symptoms of these conditions can be very similar to those associated with ADHD, such as feeling fidgety or being unable to concentrate. That’s why it’s important to seek help in understanding what’s going on for you.

How is ADHD treated?

Treatment for ADHD can look different from person to person, depending on the type and level of symptoms experienced. If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, healthcare professionals will work with you to create a treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or other tools and strategies to help manage symptoms.

What can help manage ADHD symptoms?

For some people, a diagnosis of ADHD can help explain and validate some of their experiences. For others, it might feel overwhelming. It’s important to know that there are many supports, strategies, and tools to help people with ADHD. Here are a few examples:

• Eat nutritious food, stay active, and get enough sleep. This can help boost your mood, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.
• Get to know your strengths. We all have unique strengths. You might be creative, energetic, good at noticing things, or have a great imagination. Knowing your strengths can help you find ways to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
• Find your own way to get organised. Trying new ways to get organised, like breaking tasks down into smaller steps, reducing distractions, or using planning apps on your phone can be really helpful.
• Make changes to your environment. You could speak to people at school, uni, TAFE, or your workplace to help make activities, timelines, and expectations work better for you. Some people also find it useful to have regular movement breaks to cope with hyperactivity.

What should I do if I think I might have ADHD?

If you think you might have ADHD, talk to someone you trust like a family member, teacher, Elder, or school counsellor. It can be hard to open up, but it’s the first step to getting help. Seeing a GP or a health professional, such as those at headspace centres, can also be a great place to start.

Despite its challenges, there are plenty of strategies, supports, and treatments available to help people manage ADHD symptoms, embrace their strengths, and live rewarding and meaningful lives.

To learn more about ADHD, check out the headspace website.