Video Transcription

People with ADHD are usually extremely creative. They score higher in divergent thinking tasks. They think outside the box and are very innovative in the way that they think.

Hi, everyone. My name is Rashida Dungarwalla. I’m a registered psychologist in Sydney, Australia. Today, we’re going to be talking about ADHD.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD, being a neurological condition rather than purely a behavioural one, means that different neural circuitry in various areas of the brain can result in symptoms such as a shortened attention span or shortened focus on certain things, impulsive behaviour, sometimes forgetfulness, difficulty knowing when it’s your turn to speak in a conversation, sometimes excessive talking, and a sense of internal restlessness or feeling like you’re always on the go. These can make up some of the symptoms of ADHD.

How can ADHD affect your life outside of school and work?

ADHD may affect many domains of life outside of school and work. It can impact relationships, family life, social settings, and friend circles.

What are some strengths that people with ADHD have?

Having this diagnosis means understanding the strengths while managing all of the symptoms. Recent research shows that those with ADHD often have higher justice sensitivity, meaning they have a strong moral compass. This may be seen by people with ADHD wanting to speak up if they see an injustice occurring or feeling a strong sense of fairness within themselves.

Are there different types of ADHD?

You might be surprised to know that ADHD can manifest in three different types:

• ADHD primarily inattentive

• ADHD primarily hyperactive and impulsive

• A combined presentation with some symptoms of hyperactive impulsivity and some symptoms of inattention.

You may have someone in your life with an ADHD diagnosis whose symptoms and presentation look totally different from another person with ADHD. This is important to remember as awareness of ADHD grows.

What is ‘time blindness’?

Time blindness refers to a feeling of losing track of time or being blind to time. This is often more prominent in those with ADHD because the ADHD brain is very present-focused. Your attention is usually taken by what is right in front of you—if you are interested in it. When really interested, you can hyperfocus on the task, spending hours on it and neglecting other things that need to be done. Conversely, if you’re disinterested in something, you might procrastinate or fail to complete it.

What is rejection sensitivity?

Many people with ADHD experience rejection sensitivity, where they feel sensitive to perceived or real rejection. This may manifest as perfectionism, procrastination, or people-pleasing tendencies and can occur in social settings, relationships, or work.

Is ADHD linked to addiction?

Research shows a strong correlation between ADHD and addiction. The ADHD brain produces slightly less dopamine than a neurotypical brain, which often leads people with ADHD to seek stimulating environments and activities to boost dopamine levels.

Can self-acceptance help with ADHD symptoms?

People with ADHD usually receive three times the amount of criticism or negative feedback over their lifespan. It’s crucial to challenge that narrative. This can be done with the support of an ADHD specialist or by changing the language you use toward yourself—being more gentle and understanding that you are trying your best. Research shows that high self-criticism and negative self-talk worsen distraction and make it harder to focus. Challenging this narrative helps practice acceptance of ourselves in all forms.

What should I do if I think I have ADHD?

If ADHD symptoms resonate with you—whether from social media or other sources—I encourage you to see a professional who works with ADHD. This could be a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist. They can help you understand different treatment pathways, explore dual diagnoses, and consider treatment options such as medication. It’s important to see a professional because other conditions may mimic ADHD symptoms, and getting the correct diagnosis leads to the right treatment.

Can medication help?

Medication can be a great pillar of support in treating ADHD. This journey usually involves seeing a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication. Finding the right medication and dosage may require some trial and error. Medication is not a magic wand but part of a combined approach, including behavioural strategies.

What can I do while waiting to see an ADHD professional?

If you’re waiting to see a psychiatrist, remember there are other supports you can include in your treatment plan. These may include seeing a psychologist for therapy, introducing behavioural changes and strategies, and finding support through online communities like ReachOut Australia.