October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month 2024 – the theme this year is ‘Awareness is Key!’
The month itself focuses on raising awareness of ADHD, providing reliable information on the condition and empowering people with ADHD to thrive.
In this blog, we want to give you a refresher on what ADHD is, information about ADHD Awareness Month 2024, supporting ADHD Awareness Month 2024 in the workplace, and signpost you to some useful help, support and resources.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder defined by how a person acts – said person may show patterns of inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity or impulsivity. The patterns of behaviour tend to interfere with their ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
The main symptoms of ADHD can be split into two types of behavioural issues:
Many people will have issues that can fall into either of the above behaviours.
Around three in ten people with ADHD have problems with concentrating and focusing, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This is a type of ADHD known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD can sometimes go unnoticed because the symptoms are less obvious.
In adults, it can be harder to define as there isn’t as much research into adults with ADHD. Although it is believed that it must be present in childhood, it can often continue into adulthood undiagnosed.
The main symptoms in adults, suggested by specialists are:
There are many treatments available for people with ADHD -talking therapy, medication and educational support.
You can find out more on the NHS website, it usually includes speaking to your GP who will then refer you to specialist services to start CBT or medication, and sometimes both.
The goal this year is to give people solid information and the resources to live and thrive with ADHD. Although there is a dedicated month for ADHD awareness, everyone should strive to learn and share information about ADHD all year to keep the conversation going.
As the theme is ‘Awareness is Key!’, we want to help encourage you to help spread awareness by sharing information regarding ADHD as this will benefit those with the disorder and their loved ones.
Inclusive Employers have put together some handy tips on how to celebrate ADHD Awareness Month at work:
If you have ADHD and want to meet like-minded people, or if you want to support a loved one with ADHD please follow the below links.
You can also find some useful resources for those with ADHD below:
ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis – ADHD Awareness Month
Daily Tips – ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month – Inclusive Employers
ADHD Awareness Month – Health Assured
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – NHS
Image from Canva.
