ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects a person’s ability to pay attention to the task at hand as well as to control impulsive behaviours. ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder. It impacts people in numerous aspects of their life, academically, professionally, and personally.

Around 2.5% of adults and 8.4% of children (though some healthcare experts believe that the number of school-age kids with ADHD is as high as 20%) are believed to have ADHD. In school-aged children, ADHD is often identified when it causes disruptions in the classroom or issues with homework.

It is essential to note that there are significant distinctions between ADHD in children and adults in terms of symptoms, comorbidities, diagnosis, and treatment. For that reason, it is important to look at paediatric ADHD and adult ADHD as two distinct points.

You will often hear people talk about kids with ADD and sometimes we use the word so lightly that we say we have ADD whenever we struggle to focus. But, are ADD and ADHD the same thing? What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

By definition, there is no difference between ADHD and ADD. ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is an old word for the condition that we now call ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). While some people with ADHD have hyperactive behaviour and others don’t, we use the single ADHD diagnosis for all cases falling under this umbrella.

ADHD in girls shows itself differently. While boys typically exhibit hyperactivity and other externalised characteristics, it is the opposite for girls with ADHD. In young girls with ADHD, it is more common to see symptoms of inattentiveness and a range of internalised traits. Since teachers and parents are more aware of the ADHD symptoms in boys, they are therefore more likely to refer these cases to mental healthcare professionals.

Teachers and parents often seek ADHD treatment when they see boys who are hyperactive, fidgety, impulsive, and constantly moving. Girls with ADHD, on the other hand, are often noted for their problems focusing and paying attention. Since they are often quiet and not disruptive in the classroom, it is less likely for teachers to notice the issue.

ADHD Symptoms in Girls

When it comes to young girls with ADHD, it is essential to recognise the different symptoms that they tend to present. Although each case is different and some girls with ADHD may visibly display some, none, or all of the symptoms, these are some common symptoms that we use to guide an ADHD diagnosis including the following:

• Socially withdrawn/ shy
• Easily upset/ cries easily
• Often daydreaming
• Easily distracted
• Disorganised
• Seeming lack of effort/ motivation
• Forgetful
• Sensitive to sound and textures
• Highly talkative
• Hyperreactivity
• Poor time management
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Verbally impulsive

ADHD Symptoms in Boys

In young children with ADHD, the symptoms for both boys and girls can be the same but often boys present more visible ADHD symptoms. The ones that are most frequently noticed include the following:

• Difficulty sitting still
• Struggle to wait for their turn
• Often interrupts
• Shouts out answers rather than raising hand
• Not following instructions

ADHD treatment for children in Singapore is increasingly in demand. While some view the increase in ADHD diagnoses as problematic, we have the opposite perspective. In the past, children with ADHD simply fell behind in life and never met their potential. They were never diagnosed and had to struggle silently in school. Their inability to manage the condition and the lack of support meant they had to face a lifetime of difficulties as they were left behind both academically and professionally.  Today ADHD treatment in Singapore is widely available and offers truly life-changing results.

Another one of the common misconceptions about ADHD is that healthcare professionals are simply handing out pills. While some children can indeed benefit from ADHD medication, it is certainly not a standalone solution nor is it necessary for all kids. Psychological therapy or counselling for ADHD in children is a fundamental part of successful treatment. Counselling for kids with ADHD helps them learn how to cope with their feelings and ultimately how to alter their behaviour.

Does your child have ADHD? There is only one way to know for certain and that is to go for an ADHD assessment. To raise a happy, healthy, and successful child, it is critical to properly treat conditions like these. All too often we see parents come in with an old-fashioned perspective on health issues such as these but, unfortunately, ignoring these problems will not make them go away. It is essential to get your child tested for ADHD and get help from a healthcare expert.

We have a team of counsellors and psychologists who specialise in the special needs of children. One of our experts can meet with your child to pinpoint the causes of behavioural problems. If your child has ADHD, our healthcare professionals will create a custom treatment plan to help them cope.

Of course, going for ADHD screening doesn’t guarantee an ADHD diagnosis. Your child may be suffering from a learning disability or perhaps a temporary behavioural issue that simply requires him or her to learn proper coping techniques. Each case is different and our childhood development experts will work with you and your family to find the right solution.

Ready to get help for a child with ADHD? Schedule a free 15-minute chat with one of our healthcare professionals to discuss the full spectrum of options. 

Each case of adult ADHD is different and each person experiences the condition a bit differently. That said, however, there are a few common feelings and typical daily situations that many adults with ADHD will notice. You may experience some of the following:

• Lack of attention to detail: Whether it is forgetting little things around like the house or omitting certain points in a presentation at work, it may be that the issue doesn’t lie with your memory but rather with your struggle to keep focused.
• Trouble staying on task: As much as multitasking can be a positive thing, it can also lead to numerous unfinished projects. If you find yourself struggling to focus on one task at a time, it could be a symptom of ADD or ADHD.
• Difficulty listing: At times the inability to focus your attention takes the form of not listening. Perhaps someone has mentioned to you that you seem inattentive during conversations or maybe you have noticed it yourself. This lack of engagement can be one of the signs of ADHD in adults.
• Lack of planning: Do you ever find yourself planning to organise something special for a birthday or anniversary but then the day rolls around and you have done nothing? Have you found yourself envisioning a plan for a project at work but then something comes up and it never gets done? These frustrating situations where your best intentions go awry are common and frustrating signs of ADHD in adults.
• Disorganisation: Whether it is your wardrobe or your schedule, you may find it difficult to get things structured into an organised system. Though a bit of mess is normal in daily life it may be a symptom of a bigger problem if it regularly stands in the way of your regular routine or general contentment in life.
• Procrastination: We all put things off from time to time but if it is your standard way of operating and has become a true problem in your life, it is time to consider the real cause of this problematic behaviour.

Of course, it is essential to note that these are just a few of the common signs of ADHD in adults. It is not an exhaustive list of ADHD symptoms and, indeed, some adults with ADHD have a different experience altogether with their symptoms.

One aspect of ADHD in adults is hyperactivity. While it is not an assured part of ADHD, it is an all too common condition affecting many adults. If you regularly have a sense of being overwhelmed and rushed, you may be expecting adult hyperactivity. Here are a few other common indications of ADHD in adults.

• Fidgeting: Whether it is doodling or biting your nails, restlessness often takes the form of fidgeting.
• Restlessness: If you find yourself struggling to sit in one spot, it can be a symptom of adult hyperactivity. While being active is great, it can be problematic if you struggle to get through a day at the office or if it affects social occasions. This chronic restlessness can also take the form of putting off going to sleep because it’s so hard to be still in bed.
• Racing thoughts: Fidgeting, restlessness, and always being on the go are often physical manifestations of racing thoughts. In this case, again, being active and always thinking about the next thing is not a bad thing in and of itself. When you get to the point, however, where you find that you are taking on more than you can handle, it is a true problem.
• Taking over conversations: Relationships with adults with ADHD can be challenging at times as hyperactivity can cause excessive talking. For adults with ADHD, it may feel impossible to hold back thoughts and ideas. This can result in a one-sided conversation and frequent interruptions.

A diagnosis of ADHD in adults is done by a healthcare professional. When you go in for an ADHD assessment, you will be asked about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them. You will describe how it affects your life at home, work, school, or any other situation.

Here at A Kind Place, we work with an expert team of counsellors, psychologists, and other therapists who can assess ADHD. In order to create a comfortable environment where you feel at ease, we recommend taking the time to choose the best mental health professional for you. That is why we offer a free 15-minute conversation with any and every member of our team. This will help you choose the right therapist for your ADHD assessment.

It is a common misconception that after an ADHD diagnosis, you will simply be given medication that will cure ADHD. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you have adult ADHD, your healthcare professional will recommend a range of treatment options to help manage the symptoms. 

While ADHD medication for adults can be part of a successful treatment plan, it does not work on its own.    Counselling for ADHD is a fundamental part of the process. As ADHD is not something that simply disappears, working with a therapist is an efficient way to learn to manage the symptoms.

Benefits of ADHD Coaching Resources

Working with a mental healthcare professional can provide you with a wide range of benefits. Here are a few ways that a therapist can help:

• Improve your ability to organise and manage your time
• Learn strategies to become less impulsive
• Enhance your problem-solving skills
• Find a way to cope with failures
• Improve your self-esteem
• Understand techniques to improve your relationships
• Develop strategies to manage your temper