Understanding ADHD: National ADHD Day

What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults and is considered one of the disorders that fall under the ‘neurodiversity umbrella’. It presents as patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that disrupt daily functioning.

What’s Really Going On in an ADHD Brain?

ADHD stems from imbalances in neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which regulate attention, motivation, and emotional control.

Key areas of the brain that are responsible for attention, decision-making, regulating emotions, managing focus and impulse control, function differently in those with ADHD.

These neurological variations make ADHD more than just a behavioural issue—it’s a brain-based condition.

ADHD is classified into 3 types:

• Inattention Type: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and trouble organising tasks. (previously called ‘ADD’)

• Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Type: Restlessness, excessive talking, impatience, and acting without considering the consequences.

• Combined Type: A mixture of symptoms from both categories, where an individual may experience both inattentiveness and impulsivity. (most common type)

While these symptoms are often evident in childhood, they can persist into adulthood if not effectively treated. It’s important to note that each person’s ADHD symptoms can differ and present in a unique way.

Parents, What to Look Out For at Home:

If you’re concerned that your child may have ADHD, there are several behaviours you can observe at home that may signal the need for further evaluation:

• Struggling to pay attention during tasks like homework, conversations, or activities that require concentration.
• Difficulty regulating emotions, emotional outbursts and overreacting to small issues.
• Constantly moving, unable to sit at a dinner table, fidgeting, constantly upside down.
• Sensory sensitivity: Either seeking or avoiding sound, sensitivity to clothing, distracted by lights etc.
• ‘Stimming’: biting nails, foot tapping, skin picking, humming, hair pulling etc.
• Social Interaction: difficulty making or keeping friends, not understanding social cues.
• Ability to ‘hyperfocus’ for long periods on certain tasks that are interesting to them.
• Finding new hobbies or interests and not finishing old ones/ Starting tasks but rarely finishing them
• Frequently losing items and struggling with planning and following multiple-step instructions

If these behaviours are frequent, severe, and persist across different settings (such as both at home and school), it might be a sign of ADHD. However, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and guidance on how to best support your child.

Prevalence of ADHD in South Africa and Worldwide

Globally, ADHD affects about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults ¹. In South Africa, a study in Limpopo revealed ADHD prevalence of around 7.47% in children, aligning with broader African data^{2 3}. This reflects better awareness and diagnostic criteria but also highlights challenges in recognising ADHD, particularly among women and girls.

ADHD in Girls: An Overlooked Issue

ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls/women due to the misconception that it primarily affects boys. Girls are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms—such as disorganisation, forgetfulness, and trouble focusing—that are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted as personality traits.

As a result, girls are often diagnosed five years later than boys or remain undiagnosed into adulthood. This delay can lead to significant challenges, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and risky behaviours.

Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can also intensify ADHD symptoms, making the condition particularly challenging for women⁴ . 

Dispelling Common Myths About ADHD

ADHD is surrounded by myths that contribute to stigma and misunderstandings. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:

1. ADHD is not a real condition: False. ADHD is a recognised neurological disorder, confirmed by decades of research.
2. ADHD is caused by bad parenting: Incorrect. ADHD has a biological basis, though effective parenting can help manage symptoms.
3. ADHD only affects boys: A myth. ADHD affects both genders, though it is often underdiagnosed in girls.
4. ADHD is over-diagnosed: False. Increased diagnoses reflect improved awareness and better diagnostic criteria, not over-diagnosis.
5. ADHD affects only children: Incorrect. ADHD often continues into adulthood, though symptoms may evolve over time. Roughly one-third of children with ADHD will have significant symptoms throughout life¹.
6. Children with ADHD just need to try harder: False. ADHD affects brain function, particularly areas related to focus and impulse control, meaning effort alone isn’t enough to manage symptoms.
7. ADHD medication changes a child’s personality: A myth. When properly dosed, medication helps manage symptoms without altering personality or being addictive. Medication should always be tailored to individual needs. 

ADHD Plus: Comorbid Conditions

ADHD often coexists with other conditions like anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. These comorbidities complicate diagnosis and treatment but are crucial to address for comprehensive care³. In women, ADHD is often linked to heightened risks of eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm⁵. 

Strengths and Challenges of Living with ADHD

People with ADHD are often celebrated for their creativity, frequently coming up with unique ideas and excelling in storytelling. Their ability to remember experiences and process information rapidly is one of the ADHD brain’s distinct strengths. When genuinely interested in a topic, individuals with ADHD can experience intense focus, known as hyperfocus. Similarly, when faced with challenges, they often rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Those with ADHD often find it challenging to wait and share their ideas, as their impulsivity can make patience difficult. Staying focused on repetitive or mundane tasks is another common struggle, and even starting a new task can sometimes feel overwhelming. For many, keeping things organised can be particularly tricky, often feeling as complex as solving a puzzle.

Impact on Children and Families

Children with ADHD may struggle academically and socially, leading to low self-esteem and emotional difficulties. Parents often worry about their child’s future, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of managing ADHD. For women with undiagnosed ADHD, these struggles may extend into adulthood, impacting their work, relationships, and well-being. 

Treating ADHD

ADHD can be managed through various treatments:

1. Medication: Stimulants like methylphenidate improve neurotransmitter function, while non-stimulants offer alternatives for those who don’t respond well to stimulants.
2. Therapy and Social Skills Training: Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies, while social skills training addresses challenges in picking up on social cues and maintaining appropriate behaviour.
3. Parent Training: Parents can learn techniques to help manage their child’s ADHD symptoms, creating a supportive environment at home.
4. School Accommodations: Extra time for tasks or modified teaching methods can help children with ADHD succeed academically.

How Parents Can Find Support

Raising a child with ADHD can be challenging, but parents don’t have to do it alone! Here are some ways to seek support:

1. Professional Guidance: Work with healthcare providers like Psychiatrists, OTs and Educational Psychologists, to develop a personalised treatment plan.
2. Support Groups: Joining groups for parents like The Neuroverse can provide emotional support and practical tips.
3. Work with Schools: Advocate for your child’s needs in school, ensuring they receive accommodations to help them succeed.
4. Educate Yourself: The more you understand ADHD, the better you can support your child!

Reach Out to The Neuroverse for Support

At The Neuroverse, we offer a comprehensive support network for parents of neurodivergent children. Our services include educational workshops, parent support groups, expert consultations, and a wealth of online resources. Our community connects parents with professionals and peers, providing a nurturing space to share experiences and find solutions.

For more information, visit www.theneuroverse.co.za or follow us on Instagram (@Theneuroverseza) and Facebook (theneuroverseza). We’re here to help guide you and your child through the ADHD journey. 

References

1. Polanczyk, G., de Lima, M. S., Horta, B. L., Biederman, J., & Rohde, L. A. (2014). The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(6), 942-948. 

2. Boshomane, M. (2017). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and behavioural planning deficiencies in South African primary school children. South African Journal of Psychiatry. 

3. Annals of General Psychiatry. (2023). Epidemiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of General Psychiatry. 

4. UCLA Health. (2024). ADHD and its impact on women. UCLA Health. Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org 

5. Psychology Today. (2023). The unseen spectrum: Understanding ADHD in women. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com 

6. (2023). Myths and misunderstandings. CHADD. Retrieved from https://chadd.org 

7. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). 7 myths about ADHD. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org 

8. org. (2023). 8 common myths about ADHD. Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org 

9. (2023). ADHD misconceptions and realities. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com
10. Biederman, J., Faraone, S. V., Monuteaux, M. C., & Doyle, A. E. (2002). Influence of gender on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children referred to a psychiatric clinic. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(1), 36-42.  https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.159.1.36 

11. Quinn, P. O., & Madhoo, M. (2014). A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.13r01596
12. org. (2023). ADHD in girls vs boys: Why ADHD is diagnosed differently in girls. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org 

13. (2023). ADHD gender differences: Women vs. men. Retrieved from https://www.neurolaunch.com