ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Mental health

 

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Mental health
Trouble focusing, hyperactivity, or acting impulsively.ocusi

✅ Support: Structured routines, therapy, support at school/work.
🧠 Symbol: brain with sparkles

ADHD and Mental Health

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
It is a lifelong condition that usually begins in childhood.

People with ADHD can be at higher risk of some mental health difficulties, but this does not happen to everyone.

Some mental health conditions linked with ADHD can include:

Anxiety

Anger difficulties

Sleep problems

Substance misuse

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder involves ongoing patterns of behaviour such as:

Anti-social behaviour

Aggression

Defiant or rule-breaking behaviour. This can happen because ADHD affects attention, impulse control, emotions, and thinking, but most people with ADHD do not develop Conduct Disorder.

Some people with ADHD may also experience:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Personality difficulties

Again, this does not happen to everyone.

---

How ADHD Can Affect Children

Children with ADHD may:

Struggle to sit still

Have lots of energy. Forget everyday tasks (for example, putting on socks and  or brushing teeth)

Act impulsively

Interrupt others and talk a lot. 

React before thinking

Find it hard to wait for their turn

They may also struggle with:

Schoolwork

Organisation

Timekeeping

Finishing tasks at the same time as others

This does not mean they are lazy or not trying. With the right support, children with ADHD can complete their work correctly and fairly, just like everyone else.

---

ADHD Across the Lifespan

ADHD does not go away, but for many people:

Symptoms change or improve with age

They learn coping strategies

They gain better self-understanding

However, some difficulties may continue into teenage years and adulthood.

---

Medication and Therapy

Some people with ADHD may benefit from medication, such as:

Melatonin – to help with sleep problems

Methylphenidate – to help with ADHD symptoms

Children and teenagers may sometimes need more than one type of support.

Talking Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help with:

Anxiety

Low mood

Negative thinking

Emotional regulation

ADHD, Anxiety, and Suicidal Thoughts

Some people with ADHD may experience periods of suicidal thoughts, often linked to:

Anxiety

Low self-esteem

Repeated negative thinking

Feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood

This is not caused by ADHD itself, but by the emotional strain that can come with it.

⚠️ Important clarification
PTSD is a separate condition caused by trauma.
However, rumination and overthinking can occur in ADHD and anxiety without PTSD.

CBT and the right mental health support can make a big difference.

---