What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that can affect focus, organisation, and impulse control. You or your child might find it difficult to stay on task, control impulsive behaviours, or manage daily responsibilities. These challenges can be more noticeable in environments like school or work, where structured routines are common.
Signs of ADHD often appear in childhood, particularly once school starts. If your child struggles to follow instructions, stay seated, or focus compared to their peers, these may be early signs of ADHD. A diagnosis requires these behaviours to be consistent across different settings, such as at home and school, for at least six months. They must also significantly impact daily life and begin before the age of 12.
3-4% of UK adults have ADHD
4x more common in boys than girls
65% of those diagnosed continue to have ADHD symptoms into adulthood
The most common treatment is the stimulant drug methylphenidate
What does ADHD look like?
ADHD affects around 5% of school-aged children. These children are often as intelligent as their peers but may find it harder to keep up in school. Concentration can be a struggle, making it difficult to complete tasks like homework or remember everyday responsibilities like bringing in permission slips or their PE kit. They might also find group work challenging, frequently interrupting others or struggling to take turns.
Constant movement can cause restlessness, which may lead to trouble in the classroom and at home. Over time, these difficulties can affect self-esteem, particularly if the child receives regular criticism or struggles to make friends. As a result, children with ADHD may fall behind academically.
Adults with ADHD face similar challenges in the workplace, such as meeting deadlines or managing multiple tasks. Relationships may also be affected, often leading to feelings of frustration, isolation, or anxiety.
How can it be managed?
Managing ADHD involves a combination of strategies tailored to the individual, which might include medication, behavioural therapy, and environmental adjustments. After diagnosis, which typically follows a GP referral to a specialist, the NHS recommends a mix of approaches that address both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Medication Management
Medication can help with focus and impulse control. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment with minimal side effects, regularly reassessing its effectiveness as needs change. Medications like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that support focus and decision-making.
Slow-release forms of these medications are available, which may suit those who prefer a once-daily dose. However, if the effects wear off later in the day, particularly for school-aged children, an additional small dose may help maintain focus.
Behavioural and Environmental Strategies
Medication is just one part of the puzzle. Behavioural strategies, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps or allowing movement breaks, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Educating teachers, parents, and support staff about ADHD can make a significant difference, as can making adjustments in the classroom or workplace, such as reducing distractions and using visual aids.
Routine and consistency are key. For children, this might mean incorporating reward systems, fidget tools, or extra time for assignments. For adults, it could involve structured routines and clear deadlines at work.
Dietary Considerations
Though ADHD isn’t caused by diet, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from foods like fish and seeds may help manage symptoms. Processed foods and artificial additives can sometimes exacerbate symptoms, particularly in children, so these are best avoided where possible.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is a useful tool for managing ADHD, particularly for adults. CBT helps by addressing negative thought patterns and behaviours, promoting more effective coping strategies. Therapy may also help you work through associated feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem.
For children, therapy that involves the family may be more effective, helping everyone understand the condition and work together on strategies to improve focus and behaviour.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Explain how hypnotherapy can help people to manage ADHD. Talk about the importance of overall good mental health to help cope. Also, discuss ways of using medical help and hypnotherapy in combination. Will one or repeated sessions be needed? Is there follow-up support?
Solution-focused hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a positive approach to managing ADHD. By helping you understand how the brain works, SFH can teach you to harness positive behaviours and reduce anxiety. Clients are guided to focus on their strengths, building confidence and improving their ability to manage symptoms.
Hypnotherapy sessions often include relaxation techniques that help calm an overactive mind, promoting a sense of control and focus. Over time, this approach helps strengthen the brain’s ability to make decisions and stay focused, leading to better control over ADHD symptoms.
Taking the Next Step
Living with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right tools and support, you can find balance and success in everyday life. Whether through a combination of medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes, there are many ways to manage ADHD effectively. Don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals or explore different strategies that work for you or your child. You are not alone on this journey, and each step you take brings you closer to a brighter, more focused future.
Our ADHD Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
