ADHD Awareness
I am actually quite surprised I haven’t already expressed this topic since I am surrounded by it in many ways. So, here is what I have learnt and experienced so far with ADHD;
October is ADHD awareness month, which means that throughout the country many individuals and / or organisation will be highlighting this neuro-logical effect. Rightfully so as it harbours many of us, sometimes in positive ways and sometimes in negative ways, it can be really tough to manage if you don’t understand it;
What is ADHD
ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and it is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how an individuals brain develops and functions, this effect often starts in childhood and persists through adulthood.
ADHD differs between individuals, some with ADHD may find themselves racing and some may find themselves often not present. Each individual mind is different but there are common symptoms to look out for, these can include lack of focus and difficulty paying attention. Sudden bursts of hyperactivity and or impulsive behaviour which can also manifest to excessive movement, fidgeting and or acting without thinking properly.
Psychologically
Psychologically, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many of us in different ways – it affects attention, self-control, motivation, and sometimes the management of thoughts, emotions, and actions. Many see it as laziness but it simply is not laziness or a lack of intelligence.
Psychologically it involves:
- Inattention: this is difficulty sustaining focus or remembering key details, it also includes organisational skills and starting things but not finishing them.
- Impulsivity: this looks like acting or speaking quickly, interrupting others conversations or struggling to wait when prompted too.
- Hyperactivity or restlessness: this is the drive to move, fidget or having difficulty relaxing.
- Executive-function difficulties: The pre-frontal cortex and connected circuits may have challenges with fluctuating time managements, prioritizing tasks, the working memory has difficulty, procrastination around tasks and struggles with time management.
- Emotional regulation difficulties: this is where emotions may feel more intense or they may change quickly for some individuals.
ADHD affects brain development and brain functioning, especially in networks involved in attention, motivation, planning, impulse control, and movement. It doesn’t mean the brain is damaged; rather, some systems develop or operate a bit differently.
Other affects include:
- Reward and motivation system: Differences involving dopamine and related brain pathways can make immediate rewards feel more motivating than delayed rewards, which can make boring or lengthy tasks especially difficult.
- Attention regulation: Attention may be inconsistent rather than simply absent—someone may focus intensely on an interesting activity but struggle to focus on a routine one.
- Brain development: Some brain regions and networks may mature differently or somewhat later on average, though there is substantial variation between individuals.
- Emotional control: Brain networks involved in regulating emotions and responding to frustration may contribute to
impatience, intense reactions, or rapid shifts in mood.
In research studies, groups of people with ADHD may show average differences such as:
- Slight differences in the size or development of certain brain regions
- Different activity or connectivity in attention and impulse-control networks
- Differences in circuits involving motivation and reward
ADHD is linked to differences in how certain neurons communicate, it is not a case of having too little of a brain cell. Generally, neurons send signals across tiny gaps called synapses using neurotransmitters.
The main systems involved are:
- Dopamine: Helps control motivation, reward, learning, and attention. In ADHD, dopamine signaling and regulation may be less consistent, so immediate or interesting rewards can grab attention more strongly than delayed rewards.
- Norepinephrine: Helps the brain stay alert, focus on relevant information, holding information in the working memory, and suppresses distractions. Differences in this system may make it harder to maintain focus or control
impulses. - Serotonin and other systems: May also influence emotional regulation, impulsivity, mood, and the interaction between
brain networks, but their role in ADHD is less central and still being studied.
As per minds with ADHD, neurotransmitters may differ in their responses, such as how much is released, how other recpetors respond, how quickly they are transported and removed from the synapses, and finally how well different brain regions communicate. It is most certainly not a one shoe fits all scenario. ADHD is known for being dysregulated signalling and circuitry and not chemical deficiency.
ADHD medications can improve signalling in some of these circuits. For example, stimulant medications generally block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, leaving more available between neurons for longer. At prescribed doses, this can improve attention and impulse control;
Now as with most neurological disorders there comes both positive and negative experiences.
Positive effects
There are many positive effects such as:
- Curiosity: some individuals have a strong interest in exploring new topics
- Hyperfocus: becoming deeply absorbed in activities that are interesting or meaningful
- Energy and enthusiasm: bringing intensity and momentum to projects
- Spontaneity: adapting quickly and being comfortable with change
- Problem-solving: finding unconventional solutions
- Empathy: noticing emotional details and relating strongly to others
- Resilience: developing persistence after dealing with challenges
- Entrepreneurial thinking: spotting opportunities and tolerating uncertainty
Negative effects
There are many negative effects:
- Attention and memory: forgetting instructions, appointments, or belongings; making careless mistakes
- Organization: trouble planning, prioritizing, starting tasks, managing time, or meeting deadlines
- School or work: unfinished assignments, inconsistent performance, procrastination, and difficulty maintaining routines
- Impulsivity: interrupting, speaking without thinking, taking unnecessary risks, or making quick decisions
- Restlessness: difficulty sitting still, relaxing, or staying patient
- Emotional regulation: frustration, irritability, intense reactions, mood shifts, and feeling overwhelmed
- Relationships: trouble listening, remembering commitments, waiting turns, or controlling interruptions
- Self-esteem: repeated criticism or struggles may lead to shame, self-doubt, or feeling unsuccessful
- Daily responsibilities: difficulty managing money, household tasks, appointments, sleep schedules, or driving safely
ADHD can also be extremely confusing for someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and you may find your emotions more heightened, please reach out for support if you are struggling – you can utilise your own GP alternatively while you wait @suicideapuk
Living with ADHD
Living with ADHD is hard. Especially if you do not know that you are living with it. It can make daily tasks difficult and confusing.
I personally lived with ADHD for 28 years before I came to the understanding of what was going on in my mind.
I often zoned out and or forgot stuff and incredibly impulsive. Always late and mostly lived with out of sight out of mind. One of my perks is leaving cupboard doors open. I can come down and they are all open. I can also zone out mid conversation if the tone isn’t changed.
I am also with no consistency; it is as and when. I also have minimal pre-planning skills and often start things without finishing them, I can also just run with anything given I have energy.
But it’s fun, I have enjoyed my impulsivity (even though it’s partly been dangerous), I don’t enjoy my lack of time keeping skills, but other than that I enjoy my personality.
Living with someone with ADHD is hard because if there is no proper regulation and understanding an individual can find themselves having an outburst of energy, this can displace individuals who do not understand what they are experiencing.
Also, with ADHD individuals can find themselves putting in so much energy one day then having to rest it out, there is no consistency.
Understanding is key and having a diagnosis is also beneficial for yourself and others, learning yourself will really enable you the best possible future for yourself.
If you need anything, please reach out and always remember that nobody is perfect and you are okay just as you are <3
Thankyou for reading
All my love D x