Housing First Dual Diagnosis Team Blog: ADHD
In October's Housing First Dual Diagnosis Team blog, the team look at Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, what it means and share resources to help people with ADHD. Find out more about the Housing First Dual Diagnosis Team here: Mental Health and Homeless Team | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk)
ADHD is short for Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. As the name suggests, there are two main parts to this condition. On the one hand, people may have difficulties focusing on things in their life. This is the attentional aspect. On the other hand, people may have an ongoing need to be active and have a difficulty remaining still. This is the hyperactivity aspect of the condition. There can be impulsivity as part of the condition. This means people are more likely to do things on the spur of the moment without thinking of the longer term consequences of their actions.
However, all of us will have problems with attention, increased activity and doing things on impulse from time to time. This means it can be hard to be sure whether a person has this condition or not. The distinction between “normal” patterns and patterns suggesting ADHD is the severity of the symptoms, the length of time of the symptoms and the impact of the symptoms on a person’s life.
People with ADHD have marked problems with attention that are present all the time in their life. For example, they may be so prone to losing things such as their house keys that they may not even lock the door of their house. They may never buy an expensive phone as usually they will quickly lose it. They may dread deadlines as they find it difficult to complete things on time. A person with attention problems may never watch a film in a cinema as this would require excessive demands on their attention. If watching TV at home, they would usually be using their phone or playing a computer game at the same time.
In terms of increased activity, people with ADHD report being very restless at gatherings where people would be expected to stay sitting. This may mean they have to leave a meeting if they are at work. They may find it very hard to remain seated at a family gathering at a restaurant. They may be the kind of person who is always fiddling with something in their hands. They may be squirming in their seat or moving their legs in situations where they need to sit down. The increased tendency in impulsivity can result in rapid changes in relationships, jobs, or careers. It may also mean that people get very frustrated in short queues or in traffic jams. Some people with ADHD only have marked problems with attention or increased activity rather than having both elements of the condition.
These symptoms are present in several situations of a person’s life such as
- Educational situations (e.g., difficulties completing college assignments).
- Work situations (e.g., not completing deadlines).
- Home situations (e.g., not completing daily chores).
Sometimes, people may not notice the symptoms as they may compensate for these difficulties by working or studying long hours. They may become very careful with completion of tasks at home. This is an understandable strategy but can become exhausting for a person. It can also become unsustainable if life becomes more complicated ( for example, following events such as the birth of children, promotion at work or undertaking a complex university course).
There are several ways ADHD becomes apparent to people. About two thirds will continue to have ADHD symptoms after being diagnosed as a child. However, sometimes it is not detected as a child or only becomes apparent as life becomes more complicated. It is now felt that it is a lifelong condition but that the impact of the condition varies throughout a person’s life.
It is unclear what causes ADHD. There is evidence that it is passed on through families. However, unlike some other conditions, there is no test that can tell how likely a child of a parent with ADHD is to have it. The surroundings of a child growing up is also a risk factor for ADHD. However, currently it is unclear how much ADHD is related to family factors or the early life surroundings or both.
ADHD often occurs with other psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar affective disorder, autistic spectrum condition, addictions disorders (including tobacco smoking and gambling). Having a co-occurring disorder means that the ADHD will have a bigger impact on a person’s life. The ADHD may affect how well treatment works for these other conditions.
There are numerous resources that can be used if a person suspects that they may have ADHD ( see below). If after reading these resources, a person suspects they, or someone they know has ADHD, then it may be worth getting assessed by a professional. To get a diagnosis of ADHD, a person needs to be assessed by a suitably trained doctor or another trained health professional. Referral to local services for assessment can be completed by a person’s GP. Unfortunately, there are often lengthy waiting times for assessment. Sometimes people consider using private providers for assessment. If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, national guidelines suggest that medication should be the first option for treatment. There is very good evidence that these treatments work well and most people can manage the adverse effects of the medication. However, some people may not be able to tolerate these medications or may not want to take medication. Psychological treatments including peer support can be used as an alternative to medication. However, it should be noted that psychological treatments including peer support can also be used in conjunction with medication where these options are available.
Resources for ADHD
YouTube: How to ADHD
Information and resources provided by someone with ADHD for those with ADHD
Forum: AADD UK Forums
A like minded space for others with ADHD to support each other
Support Group
An in person group for support for those in Manchester with ADHD, find a full list across locations here: https://www.ukadhd.com/support-groups.htm/
ADHD UK
ADHD Foundation
ADHD charities based in the UK
ADHD And You
Information around Adult ADHD
