LETTER: Educate yourself on ADHD

Has your child been diagnosed with ADHD, or perhaps you as an adult?

Many adults are unaware that there is a chance that they might also have it.

Young children are often diagnosed with ADHD.

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Majority of people think it’s more common in boys, but in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Teachers tend to focus more on the disruptive boys than the inattentive girls.

Many doctors claim ‘your child will grow out of it’ but statistics show that 2 out of 3 children with ADHD will continue having it as an adult, the symptoms just change and the “H” in ADHD falls away.

Symptoms in adults are usually attention problems (easily distracted by noise or activity – they may focus intensely on certain things that interest them, but are less able to pay attention to things that are dull or too complex), disorganisation and procrastination (trouble starting a task, often putting them off until the last minute regardless of the consequences), forgetfulness (leading chaotic lives, forgetting and misplacing things), restlessness and impulsiveness (making rash decisions, fidgeting or bouncing their knees when sitting).

Not everyone with ADD will have these symptoms, but it does have a huge impact on your life e.g your job, relationship and even as a parent.

It’s not a benign disorder, but they usually have a higher rate of divorces, unemployment, substance abuse and even car accidents.

Majority of adults are misdiagnosed.

If you think that any of these symptoms might apply to you, you can take a self assessment, ask your family about your behavior, research the condition and your own family history then take it from there.

Most people has a misconception of ADHD; rather than speculate, be informed.

Lisa Perrins

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