Overview
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly called ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels, impulse control, emotional regulation, organisation, and executive functioning.
ADHD is not simply laziness, lack of discipline, or poor motivation. It reflects differences in how the brain regulates attention, planning, inhibition, motivation, and reward.
ADHD usually begins in childhood, but it may not be recognised until adolescence or adulthood, especially in people who have developed coping strategies or whose symptoms were less visible to others.
Common symptoms
ADHD symptoms are often grouped into inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Inattentive symptoms may include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Making careless mistakes
- Forgetting tasks or appointments
- Losing things
- Difficulty organising tasks
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Being easily distracted
- Not seeming to listen
- Starting tasks but not finishing them
Hyperactive or impulsive symptoms may include:
- Feeling restless
- Fidgeting
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting
- Acting before thinking
- Taking risks impulsively
- Feeling driven or unable to switch off
- Difficulty relaxing
In adults, hyperactivity may feel more internal than visible. Some people describe mental restlessness, racing thoughts, impatience, or difficulty being still.
ADHD in adults
Adult ADHD can affect:
- Work performance
- Study
- Time management
- Relationships
- Parenting
- Finances
- Household routines
- Driving
- Sleep
- Emotional regulation
- Self-esteem
Some adults with ADHD perform well in certain areas but struggle significantly in others. For example, they may succeed in high-pressure environments but struggle with routine administration, planning, or follow-through.
ADHD can look different in different people
ADHD does not look the same for everyone.
Some people are visibly restless and impulsive. Others are quiet, distracted, overwhelmed, or mentally overloaded. Some people can focus intensely on interesting tasks but struggle to start or complete less stimulating tasks.
ADHD may be missed in people who are high-achieving, perfectionistic, anxious, or good at masking their difficulties.
Causes and contributing factors
ADHD is influenced by brain development, genetics, and environmental factors. It often runs in families.
ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, lack of intelligence, or lack of effort.
Diagnosis
ADHD is diagnosed through a clinical assessment. This may include:
- Current symptom review
- Childhood history
- Functional impact
- Mental health history
- Medical history
- Family history
- Questionnaires
- Collateral information from someone who knows the person well
- Review of school reports or previous assessments where available
The psychiatrist will also consider other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, substance use, thyroid problems, or burnout.
Treatment options
Treatment may include:
- Education about ADHD
- Psychological strategies
- Coaching or skills-based support
- Environmental changes
- Sleep and lifestyle support
- Medication where appropriate
- Support for co-existing anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use
Medication may be helpful for some people, but it is not the only option. Treatment should be personalised.
Important note
This information is general and is not a diagnosis. If you are concerned about ADHD or related symptoms, speak with a qualified health professional.