October is ADHD Awareness Month! This is an important time to shine a light on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the effect it’s having on the lives of so many Australians. ADHD isn’t simply a childhood disorder—it’s a neurological condition that impacts people of all ages. In the state, an estimated 100,000 children and adolescents and 158,000 adults are living with the disease. As awareness grows, so do diagnoses, leading to discussions about the implications of ADHD and the various ways it manifests in individuals.
ADHD encompasses three distinct subtypes: hyperactive or impulsive, inattentive, and combination types. Each subtype is associated with their own distinct characteristics. These qualities can influence the way people lead their lives and interact with the community around them. Appreciating these nuances is critical to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The Genetic Nature of ADHD
ADHD is widely accepted to be a genetic condition, frequently found in families. This genetic factor means that people with ADHD are likely to inherit a vulnerability to the condition from their parents. As important as genetics is, it does not set the stage for how anyone will experience ADHD.
Social and cultural factors might play a role in the apparent rise in recent diagnoses as well. And when it comes to children, clinicians have definitely gotten better at spotting the signs and symptoms of ADHD. Consequently, more people than ever are searching for assistance. This growing awareness could lead to an influx of diagnoses, as people become more informed about the symptoms and seek appropriate evaluations.
Dr. Sardinha emphasizes the diverse capabilities of individuals with ADHD, stating, “A person with ADHD… can be very abled because they think outside the box.” This asset-based lens underscores the opportunities and potential strengths that are sometimes taken for granted, but can be especially powerful and universal.
Varied Presentations of ADHD
ADHD presentation varies widely from person to person, mainly based on the subtype. For example, while some may show symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsiveness, others will have more difficulty with inattention. This variation creates a higher urgency for health professionals to conduct comprehensive assessments. They need to do it with an eye toward the different circumstances of each person.
Common stimming behaviors common to ADHD include leg bounces or swaying back and forth. These behaviors can be considered self-regulation strategies for individuals who feel big feelings or have trouble concentrating. Adaptive Change Creators Many people with ADHD have learned to adapt or create outside scaffolding that helps them function on a daily basis.
Even with these affected coping strategies, hurdles still exist for those trying to find a diagnosis and treatment. Prohibitive costs and stigma may prevent them from seeking professional evaluation. Dr. Witteveen notes that clinicians appreciate having school reports during assessments, as they often contain comments that hint at ADHD: “Very intelligent, but could do better if they applied themselves more or talked less.”
Navigating the Diagnosis Process
In Australia, ADHD can be diagnosed by psychologists or psychiatrists. In Queensland, only psychiatrists are legally allowed to prescribe that medication. The route from symptom to diagnosis may vary depending on which health professional you see first. It usually requires family perspective to develop a fuller understanding of the person’s behavior in different contexts/realms, and most importantly, over time.
Patients undergoing this lengthy and complex process will face hardships but are encouraged to fight through them. “I would encourage [patients] to not give up and to not be put off, because there are some amazing healthcare providers who are very supportive,” stated an unnamed source. These compassionate professionals make it their life’s work to help people through the process of getting a diagnosis and figuring out what treatments will work best for them.
Medication is a widely accepted method for treating ADHD symptoms, acceptance is not all-encompassing. Dr. Sardinha asserts, “I don’t think medication alone is a silver bullet. It should be combined with adaptive strategies.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of a multimedia, coordinated approach to treatment. It can include medication, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes or other support measures.
