What is ADHD?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed by a health professional when someone has problems with attention and/or impulsive behaviour that affects their learning, work or social activities.
How common is ADHD?
ADHD affects around 10.4% of boys and 4.3% of girls in Australia but it is probably underdiagnosed in girls because of differences in how ADHD affects behaviour in males and females (a bit like how depression is underdiagnosed in men because of sex differences).
ADHD probably affects between 2-6% of Australian adults but it is difficult to know the true prevalence because it is probably underdiagnosed.
What are the risk factors for ADHD in men?
What causes ADHD?
There is no single cause of ADHD. Many factors can contribute to ADHD, and the combination is probably different for everyone.
Genetics are a big part of the likelihood of having ADHD but there are no ‘autism genes’. Many genetic differences probably contribute a little bit to the overall genetic risk of ADHD.
The brains of people with ADHD seem to be different to the brains of others. Some parts of the brain are different in size and the way that different brain regions function is also different. Levels of some neurotransmitters (chemicals made by the body that allow communication between nerves) are also different between people who do and do not have ADHD. Although we are aware of these differences, we do not completely understand them.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in men and boys?
Just like the variability in causes of ADHD, symptoms of ADHD can be very different for individuals.
People with ADHD have combinations of specific symptoms of inattention, and hyperactivity and impulsivity.
A diagnosis of ADHD requires multiple symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, that:
Have been experienced for at least six months
Were present before 12 years of age
Occur in more than one setting (e.g. school, work, social settings)
Interfere with normal functioning or development
Are not caused by some other mental health condition
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD diagnosis involves one or more interviews with a qualified health professional (usually a paediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist). During the interview, they ask questions to get details about the full range of symptoms, including when the symptoms started, how severe they are, how much impact they have on one’s life, and to identify their strengths and ways of coping with symptoms. They will ask questions to see if someone has reasons other than ADHD for symptoms, or if they have any other mental health conditions.
During diagnosis, the health professional may use questionnaires or checklists to help them collect information. They may seek patient information from family members, carers, and teachers.
ADHD may be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
How is ADHD treated?
There are many ways that ADHD can be treated. Working out what is right for each person is a decision for them and/or their family or carers, and their health professional.
There are pharmacological treatments (medications) and non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD. A combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments is usually better than either of them alone.
Pharmacological treatments are probably best for treating the main symptoms of ADHD, whereas non-pharmacological treatments can be better for improving function (e.g. quality of life, self-esteem, relationships).
Pharmacological treatments for ADHD are either stimulants (methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine) or non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine). Stimulants are usually the first type of medicine that most people with ADHD start with, and may be either short- or long-acting. Stimulants and non-stimulants work in different ways, but they all affect communication between nerves in the brain
Short-acting stimulants are useful for days when you need them (school or work days) and can be skipped on days you don’t (e.g. weekends). Long-acting stimulants take longer to work but might be more convenient for some people.
What does ADHD mean for my health?
ADHD is a long-term condition. Around 60-80% of people with ADHD continue to have symptoms but not all of them continue to meet the full diagnostic criteria.
ADHD is associated with lower-than-normal educational and employment achievements (e.g. less likely to finish school, lower income, higher likelihood of unemployment), and a higher likelihood of having a criminal record.
Other mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety , are more common in people with ADHD than others.
ADHD is associated with a higher-than-normal likelihood of having dermatitis, asthma, obesity and sleep problems in children, and type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.
What should I do about ADHD?
If you think you, or someone you care for, has ADHD you should speak to your GP. They can help you understand, diagnose and treat ADHD.
The impact of ADHD on children’s education can have life-long consequences, so it’s worth seeking help early. Effects of ADHD on employment and personal relationships can limit quality of life, so seeking help can be life-changing.
