ADHD Awareness Month: Six Key Things You Might Not Know
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this year's theme is 'Awareness is Key'. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex condition that impacts many aspects of life, yet remains misunderstood in several ways. The goal of this awareness campaign is to provide reliable information, debunk myths, and promote a deeper understanding of ADHD to support those affected by the disorder.
Here are six things you might not know about ADHD, along with myth-busting facts to help you understand the condition better.
1. Anxiety and ADHD: A Common Co-occurrence
Anxiety and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. Studies reveal that 30% of children and up to 40% of adults with ADHD also experience an anxiety disorder. It's important to recognise both conditions because untreated anxiety can make ADHD symptoms more difficult to man age, and vice versa. Both disorders share symptoms like restlessness, poor concentration, and difficulty sleeping, which can complicate diagnosis.
Myth: Anxiety and ADHD are the same thing.
Fact: While anxiety and ADHD share some overlapping symptoms, they are separate conditions that require different treatment plans. Anxiety typically involves excessive worry, while ADHD centers around inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional can differentiate the two.
Tip: Early diagnosis of both ADHD and anxiety can lead to better management through targeted therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes.
2. Depression and ADHD: A Hidden Burden
Depression is another common co-occurring condition for people with ADHD. Research suggests that up to 70% of individuals with ADHD will experience depression at some point. Depression can amplify ADHD symptoms like low motivation, irritability, and an inability to focus. This dual diagnosis can be overwhelming, as both conditions feed off each other, and ADHD difficulties can affect self-esteem, making day-to-day tasks even more challenging.
Myth: Depression only affects people with severe ADHD.
Fact: Depression can occur in anyone with ADHD, regardless of how mild or severe their symptoms are. ADHD often leads to frustration with one's own perceived shortcomings, which can trigger depressive feelings. When both conditions are treated, many individuals see significant improvements in their mood and functionality.
Tip: A combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication can be effective in treating both ADHD and depression simultaneously.
3. The Different Presentations of ADHD: More Than Just Hyperactivity
ADHD manifests in three primary ways: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Each presentation has distinct characteristics:
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Inattentive ADHD : People with this type struggle with focus, organisation , and memory. They may appear daydreamy, forgetful, or prone to making careless mistakes. This subtype, sometimes known as ADD, is more commonly diagnosed in girls and adults.
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Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD : Individuals with this type display high energy, difficulty sitting still, and impulsive behaviour such as interrupting others or making hasty decisions. Hyperactivity can also present as an internal restlessness, which is not necessarily apparent externally to others.
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Combined ADHD: This presentation involves symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types.
Myth: ADHD is just about being hyperactive and is mostly a childhood disorder.
Fact: ADHD isn’t limited to hyperactivity or childhood. Many adults live with ADHD and may have been misdiagnosed or undiagnosed during their younger years, especially if they presented with inattentive symptoms. Girls and women often fall into this category because their symptoms are less disruptive and more easily overlooked.
Tip: Understanding the different ways ADHD can present is key to seeking the right diagnosis and support, especially for adults who may not have been diagnosed in childhood.
4. Gender Disparities in ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD affects men and women at roughly the same rate, but men are diagnosed far more often—13% of men compared to only 4.2% of women. This discrepancy stems from how ADHD presents differently in girls and women. Females are more likely to exhibit inattentive symptoms, which may be perceived as "daydreaming" or simply being "disorganised", rather than the disruptive hyperactivity seen more commonly in boys.
Myth: ADHD primarily affects boys and young men.
Fact: ADHD is just as common in women, but societal norms and diagnostic criteria, which were originally developed based on male presentations, often lead to the under diagnosis of ADHD in females. Women and girls with ADHD may not receive proper support until adulthood, when the impact on their daily lives becomes more apparent.
Tip: If you or a loved one suspect undiagnosed ADHD, regardless of gender, seek out a thorough assessment from a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about gender differences in ADHD presentations.
5. Creativity and ADHD: A Hidden Strength
Dr. Natasha Liu-Thwaites, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Psychotherapist, says:
Individuals with ADHD can have many unique strengths, and are often likeable and charismatic, with a huge potential for creativity and ideas . Increased understanding about themselves will be key to finding a way to work with these strengths in personal and professional settings, and that may look a little different for everyone.
ADHD comes with many challenges, but it can also foster strengths, particularly in creative thinking. A 2018 study found that people with ADHD may excel in creative environments where out of the box thinking is valued. Traits such as impulsivity, risk-taking, and hyperfocus—while often seen as negatives—can actually promote unique problem-solving and innovation in the workplace.
Myth: ADHD is a hindrance to professional success.
Fact: ADHD can be an asset in creative industries. People with ADHD often think differently, which can be a competitive advantage in fields like art, design, technology, and entrepreneurship. Many successful entrepreneurs credit their ADHD for their ability to think quickly and take risks others might avoid.
Tip: If you have ADHD, finding work environments that value creativity and allow flexibility can help harness your strengths and mitigate your challenges.
6. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD: Not Just for Anxiety
While medication is often the first-line treatment for ADHD, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is another effective tool, particularly for adults. CBT teaches people with ADHD how to develop coping strategies, manage emotional regulation, and improve problem-solving skills. A 2018 review showed that CBT helped students with ADHD reduce symptoms, improve executive functioning, and decrease co-occurring anxiety and depression.
Myth: ADHD can only be treated with medication.
Fact: ADHD can be effectively managed through a combination of medication, behavioural therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. CBT, in particular, is a powerful non-medication option that helps individuals gain better control over their symptoms by developing coping skills and addressing negative thinking patterns.
Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, consider talking to a therapist who specialises in CBT to explore this beneficial treatment option.
Whether it's through better diagnostic practices, or non-medication therapies like CBT, there are many ways to support individuals with ADHD in thriving and reaching their full potential.
