There’s been an increased focus on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) over the past few years. However, many people still don’t realise that it’s common to receive a diagnosis in adolescence or even later.
People also often aren’t aware of the lesser known symptoms of this condition, which we’ll explore below.
Many people with ADHD experience what’s known as ‘hyperfocus’.
While ADHD famously makes it difficult to maintain one’s attention, some people experience hyperfocus, where they become intensely focused on an activity to the exclusion of everything else. As you might imagine, this can be both a strength and a challenge.
Sleep issues are commonly associated with ADHD.
Symptoms might include difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and overall functioning. Furthermore, the symptoms of ADHD can be affected by various factors, including not only sleep, but stress.
Many people with ADHD are highly creative individuals.
That’s because the divergent thinking patterns associated with ADHD can lead to unique problem-solving approaches and innovative ideas.
ADHD also often coexists with other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment, which is why a professional, in-depth assessment is vital.
This condition is often underdiagnosed in girls. That’s because females with ADHD are more likely to present with inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Our team in Surrey always ensures that an assessment is thorough and nothing is overlooked.
ADHD often isn’t diagnosed in childhood.
If you have an adolescent who you suspect might have ADHD, you might assume it would have been diagnosed in childhood. However, many individuals are diagnosed later in life, often during their college years, when the demands of academic life highlight the challenges associated with the disorder.
If you need an ADHD assessment for an adolescent, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.