ADHD and Me

I once packed my house and car keys in my son’s lunchbox and sent him off to school, and then spent several hours trying to find them! I have bought a camper van after popping out for fish and chips. I have never been able to book a holiday far in advance as I am rubbish at waiting, and I have so many unfinished DIY projects that my house looks like Steptoe’s yard! I also have a diagnosis of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) which might go some way to explaining the first few statements.

ADHD is a diagnosed condition and is part of the neurodevelopment disorders group like autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. The condition presents as someone being hyperactive, inattentive, impulsive or a combination of them. These symptoms can be physical or mental so you don’t always see it. It’s still confused with being solely around hyperactivity and naughty little boys when we know it presents differently in individuals and girls get it too. ADHD is present in around 5% of the population, it’s a condition that’s also present at birth and continues into adulthood, and although it’s now understood to effect males and females equally, boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. The average age for a diagnosis in boys is 8 years old, and yet in girls its 17 years old. When someone gets a diagnosis of any condition, along with it comes a sense of understanding, and the opportunity to read and research or talk to others.

ADHD has a high rate of comorbid conditions such as dyslexia or Tourette’s syndrome and its highly hereditary – children diagnosed with ADHD have a 70% chance of one parent having it.

My diagnosis at 45 years old, allowed me to be kinder and more understanding, to stop taking on too much and to learn how to embrace the upside of my condition. I had to push for an NHS referral but was diagnosed at my first appointment, the wait for children is a lot

by Sarah-Jane Bailey

longer and many wait on waiting lists for over a year. Once diagnosed, I understand my fidgeting, my brain operating with ten different tabs open and my relentless drive to being active. I can’t read more than one page of a book without losing my trail of thought, I forget where I put most things and have to try really hard to take in what someone says to me. However, I am adventurous, vivacious and there’s never a dull moment when I am on top form. I have boundless energy, throw myself into things and my popcorn thinking gives me great ideas.

October is ADHD awareness month and raising awareness remains a key priority, especially presentation of ADHD in women and girls. Why do women need a diagnosis? We know that a late diagnosis means that many of us have suffered with anxiety or depression, and I have had both. Being constantly alert, or drifting off into daydream world can be exhausting. We can be socially awkward, finding large social gatherings overwhelming, have difficulty staying on task and getting ourselves organised. Young women who have ADHD are more likely to self-harm, have low self-esteem or attempt suicide. This is why it remains important that we educate ourselves about this condition and start to embrace my neurodiverse sisterhood.