Glossary

An ADHD counsellor is a mental health professional who specialises in working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD. These counsellors may provide therapy, support, and guidance to help individuals manage their symptoms, address related challenges, and develop coping strategies. They may also offer psychoeducation to clients and their families about ADHD and its treatment options.

ADHD symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms may manifest as difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, being easily distracted, or forgetting important tasks. Hyperactivity symptoms may involve excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated. Impulsivity symptoms may include acting without considering consequences, interrupting others, or speaking out of turn.

ADHD-related challenges encompass a range of difficulties that individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly experience in various aspects of their lives. These challenges can impact academic performance, social interactions, work productivity, and overall well-being. Some ADHD-related challenges include:

1. Difficulty Sustaining Attention: Individuals with ADHD often struggle to maintain focus and attention for extended periods, especially on tasks that are repetitive or uninteresting. This challenge can affect academic performance, work productivity, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently.
2. Impulsivity: Impulsivity refers to acting on impulse without fully considering the consequences. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their impulses, leading to impulsive behaviors such as interrupting others, blurting out answers, or making hasty decisions.
3. Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity involves excessive movement and restlessness. While hyperactivity is more commonly associated with ADHD in children, it can also manifest as feelings of inner restlessness or an inability to sit still in adolescents and adults with ADHD.
4. Disorganisation: Disorganisation is a common challenge for individuals with ADHD, leading to difficulties with time management, prioritisation, and organisation of tasks and belongings. This can result in missed deadlines, forgetfulness, and difficulty maintaining order in daily routines.
5. Procrastination: Procrastination is the tendency to delay or postpone tasks, often until the last minute. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with procrastination due to difficulties with task initiation, time management, and prioritisation.
6. Forgetfulness: Forgetfulness is a common symptom of ADHD, affecting both short-term and long-term memory. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty remembering appointments, deadlines, and important details, leading to missed obligations and disorganisation.
7. Time Management Challenges: Time management difficulties are common among individuals with ADHD, who may struggle with estimating time, planning and prioritising tasks, and adhering to schedules. This can result in chronic lateness, missed appointments, and feelings of being overwhelmed by deadlines.
8. Social Challenges: ADHD-related challenges can impact social interactions and relationships. Impulsivity, inattention, and difficulty with social cues may contribute to misunderstandings, conflicts, and difficulties maintaining friendships or romantic relationships.
9. Academic and Work Challenges:** In academic and work settings, individuals with ADHD may face challenges such as poor concentration, disorganisation, procrastination, and difficulty completing tasks on time. These challenges can affect academic performance, job satisfaction, and career advancement.
10. Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Individuals with ADHD may struggle with regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, and difficulty coping with stress. Emotional dysregulation can impact relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Addressing ADHD-related challenges often involves a multimodal approach that may include behavioral interventions, medication management, therapy, and support from family, educators, and mental health professionals. Developing coping strategies, organisational skills, and self-awareness can also help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Attention-deficit refers to difficulty sustaining attention, staying focused, or staying on task for extended periods. Individuals with ADHD may have trouble paying attention to details, organizing tasks, following instructions, or completing activities without becoming easily distracted. For example, a student with ADHD may struggle to concentrate on homework assignments and frequently daydream during class.

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one's emotions in response to internal and external stimuli. Individuals with ADHD may experience difficulties regulating their emotions, leading to impulsivity, mood swings, and emotional reactivity. For example, a person with ADHD may have difficulty controlling their temper or may become easily overwhelmed by strong emotions such as frustration or excitement.

Managing ADHD involves implementing strategies and interventions to minimise symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance quality of life. This may include behavioral interventions such as creating structured routines, setting clear goals and expectations, using organisational tools like planners or reminders, and implementing strategies to improve time management and task completion.

Medication for ADHD typically includes stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) or amphetamine (e.g., Adderall), as well as non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine (Intuniv). These medications can help improve attention, concentration, and impulse control by affecting neurotransmitter levels in the brain. However, medication is often used in conjunction with other therapies and interventions for comprehensive ADHD management.

Self-awareness involves having insight into one's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. It includes recognising one's own ADHD symptoms, understanding how they impact daily functioning, and being mindful of personal triggers or challenges. For example, a person with ADHD who is self-aware may recognize when they are becoming overwhelmed and take proactive steps to manage their stress levels.