ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain processes information. This means that people who have the condition understand people and situations and respond to them in a different way to those who do not have the condition.

Having ADHD does not necessarily have any effect on a person’s intelligence, though it can make it harder for a person to learn, live and work in typical ways and environments.

Every person with ADHD is different from the next and has a very individual experience of their condition. Many people don’t experience all of the difficulties associated with ADHD and these can change in different environments and at different times of life.

However, there are certain difficulties and behaviours that are common to many people with ADHD such as:

• Struggling to pay attention and concentrate on demanding tasks and getting distracted easily
• Managing their feelings and behaviour (e.g. saying and doing things impulsively)
• Restlessness (not always hyperactivity!)

There have been various stories and theories about what ADHD ‘is’ and ‘is not’ in the media and in the scientific, psychological and medical communities. Some people have said that they ‘don’t believe in ADHD’. Here is my response:

• There is scientific and clinical evidence (genetic, neurological and psychological) showing that, what we call ADHD, is a specific set of symptoms that are expressed as characteristic observable behaviours that are enduring and disabling for many people
• By denying the existence of a condition, such as ADHD, many children and adults will suffer extreme adversity
• Not understanding a phenomenon does not mean it does not exist

Below are some resources that might be helpful for people wanting to improve their understanding of ADHD, manage their condition better and/or support someone with the condition:

BOOKS

• Maté, G. (2011). Scattered minds: The origins and healing of attention deficit disorder. Vintage Canada.
• Hallowell, E. M. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2011). Driven to distraction: Recognizing and coping with attention deficit disorder from childhood through adulthood. Anchor.
• Hallowell, E. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2006). Delivered from distraction: Getting the most out of life with attention deficit disorder. Random House Digital, Inc..
• Kelly, K., & Ramundo, P. (2006). You mean I’m not lazy, stupid or crazy?!: the classic self-help book for adults with attention deficit disorder. Simon and Schuster.
• Barkley, R. A. (2010). Taking Charge of Adult ADHD

 YOUTUBE VIDEOS

• 30 Essential Ideas you should know about ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCAGc-rkIfo
• The Neuroanatomy of ADHD and thus how to treat ADHD – CADDAC – Dr Russel Barkley part 3ALL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPFmKu2S5XY
• The Importance of Emotion in ADHD – Dr Russell Barkley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzhL-FA2v10

WEBSITES AND ORGANISATIONS

On these websites there are many support groups listed and other resources.

• The ADHD Foundation offers a broad spectrum of information and resources for adults and children with ADHD: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
• Royal College of Psychiatrists has information about adult ADHD: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/adhd-in-adults
• Adult ADD UK is a site for adults with ADHD in the UK offering information and up to date news: www.aadduk.org
• The UK ADHD Partnership offers a wealth of information and advice for children and adults with ADHD: ukadhd.com
• The UK Adult ADHD Network provides information and resources for clinical professionals, researchers and adults with ADHD: www.ukaan.org

Some ADHD support groups for adults in the south of England:

• Bristol: No website but details are on the aadduk.org website
• Brighton: org.uk/contact/
• Buckinghamshire: spacepage.co.uk/
• Cambridgeshire: addaptability.org
• London: adhdkingston.org.uk
• Oxfordshire: adhdoxfordshire.co.uk

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