Information about ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a developmental neuropsychiatric disorder. It involves challenges with concentration, activity regulation and impulse control. ADHD can be detected in childhood, adolescence or adulthood.
The term ADHD covers three different types, with varying emphasis on core symptoms. The different forms of ADHD are:
- combined type (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity)
- inattentive type or ADD (no hyperactivity or impulsivity)
- hyperactive-impulsive type (no inattention).
Often ADHD traits are already evident before school age, but they can also be detected during school age as demands increase and learning challenges appear or only in adulthood.
People with ADHD are more impaired by distracting factors such as fatigue and hurry than others. Environmental factors such as noise, other stimuli or group situations can exacerbate symptoms. However, with the earliest possible detection and support, ADHD can also be a powerful resource and a strength.
ADHD diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have a range of symptoms involving inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that:
- cause long-term impairment of the person’s ability to function
- began no later than primary school age
- occur in a wide range of situations (e.g. at home, in hobbies, at daycare, at school or other educational institution or at work)
- are not due to any other cause (e.g. medication, substance abuse, mental disorder or other illness).
Symptoms and disorders comorbid with ADHD
ADHD is often comorbid with a range of developmental symptoms that are unique to the individual. These include reduced fine and gross motor skills, learning difficulties and challenges with sensory processing, language development or social interaction. Psychological symptoms or disorders such as depression, anxiety, defiance, behavioural and eating disorders and sleep disorders are common comorbidities.
Symptoms of ADHD in children
In a child with ADHD, restlessness and hyperactivity are more common in early childhood, with concentration difficulties becoming more apparent in school age. School performance may not always match the child’s ability due to the child’s symptoms. Hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, talkativeness or difficulty staying still, for example.
The child’s inattention may be manifested as a short attention span and distractibility, which makes it difficult for the child to follow instructions or complete tasks.
Impulsivity can be manifested by such things as rash words or actions, accident proneness, or strong emotional reactions that strain close relationships. For some children, symptoms make it challenging to form and maintain friendships.
ADHD-related symptoms of motor hyperactivity often decrease in adolescence. Hyperactivity can manifest as inner restlessness and feelings of anxiety. Difficulties caused by inattention can have a significant impact on the adolescent, as the demands for self-directed, planned and sustained activity at school, at home and in hobbies increase. The adolescent’s impulsivity symptoms can manifest in social situations and as risky behaviour, among other things.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
In adulthood, the external demands of different life situations can increase the burden of ADHD symptoms. Inattention and impulsivity are often the main hindrances to a person’s ability to function.
Adults may experience challenges in areas such as studies, work, family life and intimate relationships, other relationships or managing finances. ADHD can affect the adult’s quality of life in many ways, which is why it is important to assess the symptoms and plan personalised support.
The symptoms of ADHD in girls and women are often more difficult to detect, as females are more prone to internal symptoms, with less outwardly visible disruptive behaviour and hyperactivity than boys. For women, it is more common for depression or anxiety to be detected while ADHD is overshadowed, which can delay access to treatment and support.
Early detection is important
Considering and assessing the possibility of ADHD is important to ensure that a child, adolescent, adult or other loved one can get the care or services they need to support their ability to function and well-being.
Concerns about a child’s symptoms can be raised at a child health clinic, in school healthcare, early childhood education, school or healthcare centre.
In addition to the above, ADHD assessments for adolescents may be initiated by student healthcare services or low-threshold mental health services. Adults can also contact the occupational healthcare services in addition to their healthcare centre. Private providers also assess and treat neuropsychiatric disorders.
Support is available
There is a wide range of support available to address the individual challenges of functioning with ADHD. The aim of everyday tools and rehabilitation is not to eliminate the person’s ADHD traits, but to support the person’s ability to function and their inclusion, taking into account their strengths and resources.
Knowledge about ADHD increases understanding of the symptoms and enables new approaches to be developed. It is important to think about solutions to challenging everyday situations together with friends and family to support the person’s ability to function. It is equally important to talk to the daycare centre, school or workplace about how to take ADHD symptoms into account. Positive and success-oriented feedback strengthens self-esteem, motivates and increases confidence in finding solutions to different everyday situations.
Support in early childhood education, basic education and secondary education is needs-based and does not require a diagnosis. The healthcare services can draw up a rehabilitation plan that takes account of individual needs and coordinate the necessary rehabilitation services.
Children, adolescents and adults can receive a range of social services through a service needs assessment. Student healthcare services, employment services and occupational healthcare services can also support adolescents and adults. Peer support from organisations as well as open and respectful encounters with friends and family support children, adolescents and adults with ADHD and their families.
ADHD association in Finland
The ADHD association in Finland is a national expert and non-governmental organisation whose mission is to promote the well-being of people with ADHD and their loved ones, positive ADHD awareness and equal services in society.
If you have any questions about ADHD, please contact our advisory services. We are available by telephone (Finnish, English) and chat (Finnish, English). You can also use our question form to send your question (Finnish, Swedish, English). Our opening hours and the form can be found here: www.adhd-liitto.fi/tukea/neuvonta/.
If you have any questions about the activities of the ADHD association in Finland, please contact the professional in charge by e-mail or at toimisto@adhd-liitto.fi.
