Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition where a person may not be able to focus on something.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, it is most common in children but can also impact adults as well.
The organisation also states that a popular misconception is that it is mainly boys who have ADHD; however, boys are considered more likely to be diagnosed because the condition manifests itself through hyperactivity, whereas girls with ADHD often express it through inactivity.
Awareness of the condition has grown in recent years but professional advanced ADHD coach Claire Twomey said many people still mistake it for behavioural issues.
“There’s still a lot of people who believe to this day that it is only in boys, that it’s just a behavioural issue and that children grow out of it,” she told Newstalk Breakfast.
“None of this is true anymore; we have a completely different understanding of it and it’s taking time for this information to trickle down to teachers and education departments.”
Despite this, Ms Twomey said awareness has grown in recent years and there is a “huge influx” of people getting diagnosed.
She also said she wishes she had been diagnosed early herself.
“We’re hearing all the time there aren’t enough services to carry out these assessments for children and adults,” she said.
“I enjoyed school; however, intellectually and academically I would have really, really struggled and believed that I wasn’t smart enough.
“So, the system isn’t really set up for the type of learning styles that we have.”
Solutions
Treatment for ADHD usually involves a combination of medical intervention and therapy.
If left untreated, the long-term implications can be profound.
“It has this massive impact on the child’s belief and that belief carries with them through into adulthood,” Ms Twomey said.
“It’s very, very negative; I’m working with adults now who have had a lifetime of negative experiences [such as] lack of career progression, issues with relationships and their mental health.
“[All] because of the beliefs that they’ve had since they’ve been children - so, it has this lasting effect.”
If you think you have ADHD, your GP can refer you to your local Adult Mental Health Team (AMHT) for an assessment.
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Main image: A school classroom.
