Welcome to the ADHD Action Network
At the ADHD Action Network we’re dedicated to building a supportive ADHD community in the UK by connecting healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience.
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✴︎ ADHD BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS – A TALK
PEER SUPPORT GROUPS TO CHANGE THE FACE OF ADHD
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Understanding ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the parts of the brain that help us plan, prioritise, focus on, and execute tasks. These are also known as executive function skills.
Every person with ADHD is unique. They have different strengths and face different challenges. Symptoms and intensity can vary but the key characteristics of ADHD are inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
It is estimated that in the UK 3-4% of adults have ADHD.
Help and Treatment
A range of support is available for adults with ADHD, the ADHD Action Network will provide peer support, a network and community where we can learn from each other and improve accessibility and treatment for people with ADHD.
Traits of ADHD
One popular misconception is that ADHD is a behavioral disorder. In fact, ADHD is an impairment of the brain’s self-management system. This means it’s often characterised by things like:
Core Traits of ADHD
The traits in bold are recognised by the NHS as core traits, however there are other characteristics to consider:
- Challenges with attention and focus.
- Challenges with impulse control.
- Heightened emotions.
- Hyperfocus.
- Hyperactivity (external and/or internal – racing thoughts and mental exhaustion).
- Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
- Impulsiveness
- Difficulty with time management.
Types of ADHD
The signs of ADHD can vary from person to person. But, in general, the medical diagnostic model categorises ADHD into three main types:
Inattentive Type ADHD
People with inattentive ADHD often find it difficult to sustain focus or follow detailed instructions, and struggle to organise tasks or activities. They may also have poor memory and get easily distracted.
Hyperactive Type ADHD
This is characterised by the need for constant movement. People who have this type of ADHD may fidget constantly, interrupt others or blurt out things, and struggle with impulse control.
Combined Type ADHD
A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulse ADHD.
Many people with ADHD experience emotions differently to others and it is estimated that emotional dysregulation – that is, difficulty controlling your emotions – affects 1 in 2 adults with ADHD.
Alongside the core traits and emotional dysregulation, people with ADHD can also have other neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health conditions.
Find out more about ADHD traits on the NHS website guide to ADHD symptoms and the ADHD Aware guide to ADHD symptoms.
Signs of ADHD in Adults
ADHD symptoms are more difficult to define in adults. Environments and expectations change as people reach adulthood, which means traits can present in different ways.
ADHD traits vary by individual, but common signs in adults include:
- carelessness and lack of attention to detail
- continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
- inability to focus or prioritise
- continually losing or misplacing things
- forgetfulness
- restlessness and edginess
- difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
- blurting out responses and often interrupting others
- mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
- difficulty coping with extreme stress
- extreme impatience
- taking risks in activities
- emotional dysregulation
- fatigue or tiredness
- addictive personality
- difficulty with time-management
- difficulty with sleep
- rejection sensitivity.
Diagnosis of ADHD
If you believe you may have undiagnosed ADHD as an adult, talk to your GP in the first instance. They may recommend a period of ‘watchful waiting’ then suggest a referral for an ADHD assessment, if appropriate.
Some people may recognise signs of ADHD in themselves but choose not to pursue a diagnosis. If you feel you may have ADHD but don’t want a diagnosis, there is plenty of ADHD support and advice still available should you need it.
You can learn more on the ADHD Aware website guide to ADHD Assessment.
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