Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) noun: is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts the part of our brain that helps us to plan, control impulses, and execute tasks.

Aroreretini noun: used in reference to having ADHD. Origin: te reo Māori, literal translation 'attention goes to many things'. Created by linguist and author Keri Opai. For more information read: Words have great power 

The unique structure of the ADHD brain 

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and describes the unique structure of your brain. A significant number of New Zealanders have ADHD, which can come with many positive characteristics, alongside challenges. 

For information on the prevalence of ADHD in the New Zealand population read:

ADHD NZ - ADHD is more common than you think

Researchers who are passionate about ADHD have been helping to increase our knowledge and understanding of what makes the condition unique. In the video below, clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Watson explains how the ADHD brain works. 

Genetic and environmental factors 

It's thought a combination of genetic and environmental factors can lead to a person developing ADHD. Many genes, each with a small effect, are thought to contribute to susceptibility to ADHD. This includes those that relate to the dopamine and norepinephrine pathways, which are the key areas affected by the medications used to treat ADHD.

Environmental factors include exposure to alcohol and nicotine before birth, as well as premature birth and exposure to traumatic brain injuries.

Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive 

Hyperactivity and impulsivity can present differently as people age. For adults, this may include finding it hard to stay seated, or fidgeting in meetings. They may talk excessively or interrupt others in conversations.

Inattentiveness and executive dysfunction are often also present, though generally to a ​​​​​​​lesser extent.

Predominantly inattentive presentation

The main characteristics of inattentive ADHD are a lack of control over attention, focus, and concentration. It may be hard for people to retain focus on activities that don't interest them, which can lead to procrastination and difficulty finishing tasks or paying close attention to details.

Combined presentation

Combined ADHD includes the characteristics of hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive ADHD, in fairly equal measures. This can look like lack of control over attention, behavior, activity and impulses.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD include:

ADHD can also cause issues with emotional impulsivity and executive functioning, which can lead to the following symptoms:

Important facts about ADHD

Each person varies in the type, number, frequency, and severity, of their ADHD behaviour/symptoms. To determine if you, or someone you know, has ADHD, and to get the best treatment, a formal assessment is needed. 

Our ADHD diagnosis page has information on assessment for adults and children, as well as links to our self-assessment tool and healthcare directory: ADHD NZ - ADHD diagnosis

ADHD is real 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which can lead to a delay in the development of part of the brain that's responsible for filtering and control. Nobody chooses to experience this and it does not relate to willfull misbehaviour or laziness. 

How the public, whānau, and professionals, understand ADHD has changed over the generations. There is much less stigma around getting an assessment for ADHD, although people can still encounter this. In such cases it can be even more important to have timely support that meets a person’s needs.

ADHD in adulthood

More and more people are getting assessed and diagnosed with ADHD than ever before, and the highest proportion of these are adults. Often they are parents who have had their child assessed and realise they too experience the behaviours/symptoms. 

Adulthood can provide the opportunity to understand yourself in new and non-judgmental ways. This can allow for support structures to help adapt to different situations, relationships, workplace requirements, and life stages.

• Our Adults with ADHD page has information on what ADHD can look like in adulthood, resources on ADHD and mahi (work), and links to support groups, organisations and events - ADHD NZ - Adults with ADHD
  
  
• New Zealand Doctor has released a free article on how adult ADHD presents throughout life – from young adulthood to midlife and later life, and what each phase means - Adult ADHD across the lifespan (nzdoctor.co.nz) 
  

Having ADHD can also mean you have immense strengths

These include being energetic, enthusiastic, creative, highly intuitive, sensitive and fun. You're also more likely to become experts in your field. Parents, teachers, employers, colleagues, partners and friends who understand, can support and help you to manage ADHD by recognising and enhancing these strengths. They know that ADHD is different but not less.

ADHD NZ - Succeeding with ADHD

ADHD NZ - Managing ADHD

Learn about ADHD from ADHDers 

The best way to learn about ADHD is from those who live with it. Check out our Vlogs, blogs and podcasts page for information from content creators with ADHD, our This is ADHD awareness campaign, which shares the stories of amazing New Zealanders with ADHD, and the ADHD support groups page for ways to connect with other ADHDers in your community: 

What's next?

If you think you might have ADHD or would like to support people with it, you can find information on the following pages: 

• ADHD diagnosis - find out about the diagnosis process, try our self-assessment tool, and check out our healthcare directory 
  
• Young people with ADHD and Family and whānau with ADHD compliment our Adults with ADHD page
  
• ADHD and medication answers questions about stimulant and non-stimulant medication as well as alternatives
  
• ADHD New Zealand FAQs is a one stop shop for answers to the questions ADHD New Zealand is asked the most.