ADHD impacts youth and adults. It can be crippling due to challenges with focus (inattention), restlessness (hyperactivity), and acting without thinking (impulsivity). Females in particular are under diagnosed with inattention symptoms most likely. ADHD can lead to disorganization, poor time management, difficulty completing tasks, low self-esteem, and relationship problems.
These impairments impact school, work, social skills, and emotional regulation, sometimes co-occurring with other conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep eating and learning disorders. It is a lifelong condition that has a profound impact on daily functioning and quality of life.
ADHD figures in Australia have increased by more than 300 per cent over the past decade (Australian Medical Journal). Today, more than one million Australians have ADHD (ADHD Foundation Australia). Worldwide, it is estimated that over 366 million people are symptomatic, making it more common than anxiety and our most common mental health condition.
So why the huge increase? Many researchers don’t believe the incidence of ADHD is increasing but the number of diagnosed cases is. The Australian Psychological Society (APS, 2024) suggested three reasons for the diagnosis increase.
Awareness has grown thanks to celebrities with personal ADHD stories reducing stigma for those with ADHD and providing a “fashionable answer to a vast range of ADHD-seeming symptoms for everyone else”.
With large pharmaceutical companies generating significant profits whilst also funding research into ADHD and sponsoring conferences and education for ADHD professionals, the potential for bias in diagnosis is present.
Thirdly, the cultural side. The symptoms of ADHD are at odds with societal norms and thus bring judgement. The desire to fit in drives the ADHD symptomatic or their families to look for a diagnosis and medication.
ADHD screening provides valuable insights into an individual’s condition, guiding them toward appropriate support and interventions but often with significant cost and wait times. The cost of diagnosis and subsequent support impacting the equity of treatment.
The impact of medicating to fit in with societal expectations should also be considered. Some with ADHD don’t take their medication on weekends so they can be themselves. Yes, the ADHD mind works differently to the neurotypical mind, but different isn’t necessarily worse. For 1 in 20 Australians, a desire or need to fit in with societal and workplace norms drives them to seek diagnosis and support to “fit in”.
Even after diagnosis, challenges can exist for the ADHD individual. Executive function skills such as time management, prioritising and planning are necessary for success in schooling and the workplace, and while they may not have been developed, they can be taught.
Schools are now much better at supporting ADHD students with adjustments around communication, the physical learning environment and assisting with structure. In the home, positive parenting skills, lots of encouragement and maintaining structure can be beneficial. The use of a specialist ADHD counsellor or coach can also aid in managing symptoms like focus, organisation, and emotional regulation and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.
As our most common mental health condition, ADHD needs to be a priority for support to deliver positive outcomes.
Gary Bruce is a youth counsellor (GaryBruceCounselling) and coach (Going Beyond Results), MHFA Instructor and registered teacher with over 35 years’ experience. His practice is based in New Farm providing in person and online appointments. To find out more email [email protected] or follow him on LinkedIn (GaryRBruce) or Facebook (Going Beyond Results).
