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Did you know October is #ADHDAwarenessMonth? Here’s some stand-up talking about what it’s like getting diagnosed with ADHD at 32 & the misconception that only boys have ADHD.
ADHD is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions! Some facts you might not know (thread):
ADHD is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions! Some facts you might not know (thread):
ADHD is common and frequently mis-or-undiagnosed disorder among women and girls. Despite the misconception that boys are 4 x more likely to have it, recently research shows there is no significant gender difference.
ADHD exhibits differently in women + notions of what it is were based on studies of "hyperactive white boys". as a kid I was emotionally sensitive, forgetful, vague, distracted easily & found it super difficult to focus on things i didn't find interesting https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/04/adhd-is-different-for-women/381158/
There are 3 kinds of ADHD - inattentive (disorganised vagueness, can't finish things, follow instructions) hyperactive (hyper and impulsive) and combined type (showing both traits). Combined is the most common. The inattentive type is more likely to be missed
Despite media's concerns that kids & adults are running around hopped up on speed - diagnosis & treatment of ADHD is very low.
* Between 1 in 3 or 4 kids with ADHD are being treated * 1 in 10 adults with ADHD are being recognised and treated. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/australians-with-adhd-might-be-missing-out-on-prop
* Between 1 in 3 or 4 kids with ADHD are being treated * 1 in 10 adults with ADHD are being recognised and treated. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/australians-with-adhd-might-be-missing-out-on-prop
ADHD is usually treated with a combination of psychological treatment and medications. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are still hugely stigmatised and/or treated as a joke. This often causes people with ADHD to avoid disclosing it to others and avoid treatment.
ADHD isn’t just for kids. While it always starts in childhood (before 12), for most people it is lifelong condition that they won’t “grow out of”.ADHD affects about 5% of the population which is about 1 million people in Australia.
ADHD is highly genetic. People with a family member with ADHD have a much higher likelihood of having ADHD.
ADHD often co-exists with 1 or more disorders. Around 65% of ppl with ADHD have at least 1 other thing.The most common co-existing conditions was Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder (31.1%), Autism Spectrum Disorder (20.5%) and Depression (11.8%).
Jails are full of people with ADHD. Sufferers (especially undiagnosed and untreated) have an increased risk of debt, addiction, suicide, self-harm and premature death. It’s worse for women, with the risk for self-harm 2-3 x higher & suicide attempts 3-4 x higher than men
ADHD costs Australia $20.4 billion dollars a year!!
ADHD isn't supported in the school system. A survey found that 1 in 5 parents have been encouraged by schools to seek an alternative diagnosis (mainly autism, anxiety and ODD) to ADHD to get funding for teacher’s aides. https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/the-phrase-that-pays-schools-push-parents-of-adhd-children-to-switch-diagnosis-20190823-p52k43.html ADHD is also ineligible for NDIS
BUT, ADHD is highly treatable with medication, therapy and organisational strategies. Many people with ADHD view it as a superpower!
There are heaps of pluses to having ADHD, like high creativity, abundance of ideas and lateral thinking/problem solving capabilities, intense curiosity, quick thinking and bravery, plus a drive and determination to pursue passions!
If there was more awareness & de-stigmatisation of ADHD among the general public, media and health professionals - and people were treated early and effectively - life with ADHD would be much easier
Here's another thing I wrote about being diagnosed with ADHD - https://www.smh.com.au/national/watching-hannah-gadsby-i-had-a-light-bulb-moment-20181011-p5095w.html
If you think you have ADHD I highly recommend pursuing medical advice to get a diagnosis as it was personally one of the most amazing things for me that truly changed my life. STEPS 1 to 5 BELOW
1. make an appointment with your local GP and get a referral to see a psychiatrist. Rules around prescribing stimulants in Aus are very strict so psychiatrists and paediatricians are the only ones who can prescribe medication and diagnose the condition.
2. Do your homework before you see your GP and get the name of a psychiatrist in your area who specialises in ADHD ( https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist).
3. Give the psychiatrist’s office a call beforehand to make sure they are taking new patients. Find out how much they cost (it can be hefty but you will get a large medicare rebate). it is also worth contacting different psychiatrists to find out their cost
4. It can be a bit of a slog getting a diagnosis but it’s really worth it! Push on! Set reminders in your calendar to call the place! or do it online/email if you are weird about calling people sometimes like i am
5. If you are confused about any of the above steps get in touch with the ADHD Centre Helpline on 02 9889 5977 https://www.adultadhd.org.au/index.php/helpline2
Additude also has heaps of great info on their website - https://www.additudemag.com/
Additude also has heaps of great info on their website - https://www.additudemag.com/
ok that's it, thanks for reading!
