Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is the most common neuropsychiatric condition in children and is estimated to affect 3–5% of adults in the general population. It is a disorder characterised by varying degrees of difficulty with sustaining attention, controlling impulses, and elevated activity levels. Symptoms often appear in childhood, and ADHD is a pervasive disorder that can cause significant problems with achievement at work and school, interpersonal relationships, financial security, and mental and physical health.
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While ADHD in children is generally a well-accepted and commonly diagnosed disorder, adult ADHD is a condition that is still gaining widespread acceptance. It is thought that only a minority of adults with ADHD are able to access adequate expertise for diagnosis and management. However, treatments have well-documented safety and efficacy and can make a significant difference to an individual’s life.
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Diagnosis and treatment of ADHD require a certain level of expertise, as the condition is frequently associated with and can be confounded by other disorders such as sleep disorders, mood disorders, complex trauma, and other mental health conditions common in the general population.
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In addition to the three core domains of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, many people with ADHD also experience problems with executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to a highly specialised set of skills that allow us to monitor our attention, focus, plan, organise information, remember instructions, and multitask. While not necessarily considered part of the ADHD syndrome, these difficulties are common in people with ADHD and can cause a significant amount of impairment. Thus, they also need to be assessed and managed in the course of treatment.
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