🌱 Level 1 – Easy Read ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Mental Health 🧠 Symbol: Brain with sparkles

 

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

People with ADHD may find it hard to:

• Pay attention

• Sit still

• Think before acting

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ADHD and Mental Health

Some people with ADHD may also experience mental health difficulties.
This does not happen to everyone.

These can include:

• Anxiety

• Anger difficulties

• Sleep problems

• Substance misuse

Most people with ADHD do not develop serious mental health problems.

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How ADHD Can Affect Children

Children with ADHD may:

• Have lots of energy

• Find it hard to sit still

• Forget everyday things (like socks or brushing teeth)

• Interrupt others

• Act before thinking

• Find waiting difficult

They may also struggle with:

• Schoolwork

• Organisation

• Timekeeping

• Finishing tasks

🚫 This does not mean they are lazy or naughty.
✅ With the right support, children with ADHD can do well.

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Support for ADHD

Support can include:

• Clear routines

• Support at school or college

• Talking to a trusted adult

• Therapy

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Important to Know

Some people with ADHD may feel:

• Anxious

• Overwhelmed

• Low in confidence

If someone feels unsafe or very distressed, they should get help from:

• A trusted adult

• A doctor

• A mental health service

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🌿 Level 2 – Easy Read (More Detail)

🧠 Symbol: Brain with sparkles

ADHD and Mental Health

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition.
This means the brain works differently.

People with ADHD may be at higher risk of some mental health conditions, but many are not affected.

Possible linked difficulties include:

• Anxiety

• Anger or emotional regulation difficulties

• Sleep problems

• Substance misuse

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Conduct Disorder (Important Clarification)

Some children or young people with ADHD may be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder, but this is not common.

Conduct Disorder can include:

• Ongoing rule-breaking

• Aggression

• Anti-social behaviour

This may happen because ADHD can affect:

• Impulse control

• Emotional regulation

• Attention

• Thinking skills

⚠️ Most people with ADHD do NOT have Conduct Disorder.

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Other Possible Difficulties

Some people with ADHD may also experience:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Personality-related difficulties

Again, this does not happen to everyone.

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ADHD Across the Lifespan

ADHD does not disappear, but:

• Symptoms may change with age

• People learn coping strategies

• Self-understanding improves

Some difficulties can continue into:

• Teenage years

• Adulthood

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Medication and Therapy

Some people may benefit from medication, such as:

• Melatonin – to support sleep

• Methylphenidate – to help with attention and impulsivity

Support often works best when combined with:

• School or workplace adjustments

• Therapy

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Talking Therapies

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help with:

• Anxiety

• Low mood

• Negative thinking

• Emotional regulation

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ADHD, Anxiety, and Suicidal Thoughts

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

• Anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Feeling misunderstood

• Repeated negative thoughts

❗ This is not caused by ADHD itself, but by emotional strain and lack of support.

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Important Clarification

• PTSD is a separate condition caused by trauma

• ADHD and anxiety can still involve:

  • Overthinking

  • Rumination

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