ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
– Medically/Clinically:
ADHD is classed as a neurodevelopmental condition. That means it develops in childhood as the brain forms and affects how certain brain functions (like attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation) work.
– Legally (e.g. under the Equality Act in the UK):
ADHD can be recognised as a disability if its symptoms have a substantial and long-term negative impact on someone’s daily life (work, study, relationships, self-care, etc.). Not everyone with ADHD will meet this threshold, but many do.
– Not an illness or disease:
ADHD isn’t like catching the flu or having cancer. It’s not caused by a virus, infection, or “sickness” process. It’s a difference in brain wiring that affects how someone functions.
So, putting it together:
– ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition (medical description).
– ADHD can be a disability (legal description, depending on impact).
– ADHD is not an illness or disease (it’s not something you “catch” or “cure”).
ADHD is usually diagnosed when symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity have had a negative impact on at least two important areas of life for a long period of time (such as work, school, or relationships).
Some people come to coaching already diagnosed by a psychiatrist, while others just suspect they might have ADHD. Either way, the focus is the same: helping them with the challenges they are facing.
Is ADHD A Serious Issue?
Getting an ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. People with ADHD have a suicide risk five times higher than average, and about one in four women with ADHD have attempted suicide. Those figures alone show how serious it really is.
Why Coaching Helps
ADHD often involves a 30% delay in executive functioning skills – the mental abilities that help us plan, organize, and manage life. Challenges can include:
– Self-awareness – difficulty explaining what’s going on inside
– Impulse control – acting without thinking (e.g. moving country on a whim)
– Memory – forgetting appointments or lessons already learned
– Planning – struggling to think ahead
– Inner monologue – feeling like the brain has 500 radio channels playing at once
– Emotional regulation – dealing with intense emotions or rejection sensitivity
– Motivation – being able to do huge amounts of work when interested, but finding routine tasks almost impossible
– Problem-solving – skipping steps and becoming overwhelmed with too many ideas
Medication can help, but it doesn’t solve everything. Coaching provides practical support – helping people break tasks down, build routines, and find strategies that work for their unique brain.
If you would like some support, you can book a free introductory call with me here.
FAQs
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD, or is it just a childhood condition?
Yes, adults can be diagnosed. ADHD starts in childhood, but many people aren’t diagnosed until later in life. Symptoms often look different in adults compared to children.
Are there different types of ADHD?
Yes. ADHD is usually grouped into three presentations:
– Inattentive (difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, disorganization)
– Hyperactive-Impulsive (restlessness, impulsive decisions, constant activity)
– Combined (a mix of both).
What causes ADHD?
There isn’t a single cause. Research shows it’s linked to genetics, brain structure, and how brain chemicals work. It’s not caused by bad parenting, poor diet, or lack of discipline.
Can ADHD be cured?
No, ADHD isn’t something that can be cured. But with the right support—such as coaching, therapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies—people can learn to manage symptoms and thrive.
Is ADHD the same for everyone?
No. ADHD affects people in very individual ways. Some might struggle most with focus, while others battle impulsivity or emotional ups and downs. This is why personalised support is so important.
