ADHD Symptoms: What to Look For

Academic Challenges:

• Underperformance: Inattention and impulsivity often result in incomplete assignments, poor test scores, and overall academic underperformance.
• Behavioural Issues: Hyperactivity and impulsivity may lead to frequent disruptions in class, disciplinary actions, and negative teacher-student relationships.

Social Difficulties:

• Friendships: Children with ADHD may struggle to make and keep friends due to impulsive behaviour, talking excessively, and interrupting others.
• Bullying: They are at an increased risk of being bullied or becoming bullies due to social misunderstandings.

Family Dynamics:

• Parent-Child Conflicts: Frustration around behavioural issues and struggles with routines (e.g., bedtime, homework) can lead to frequent conflicts with parents.
• Siblings: Sibling relationships may be strained due to perceived preferential treatment or disrupted family routines.

Self-Esteem:

• Negative Labels: Being labeled as "troublemakers" can impact self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy and discouragement.

Academic Difficulties:

• Time Management Issues: Teens may struggle to balance homework, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs due to procrastination and disorganisation.
• Underachievement: Despite their potential, many underperform academically due to difficulty focusing on long-term projects and meeting deadlines.

Risky Behaviours:

• Driving Risks: Impulsivity and inattention can lead to traffic violations and an increased risk of accidents.
• Substance Abuse: Teens with ADHD are at higher risk of experimenting with drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Social and Emotional Impact:

• Peer Pressure: Impulsivity may lead to poor decision-making in social situations, increasing the likelihood of peer pressure susceptibility.
• Emotional Regulation Issues: Heightened emotional sensitivity and impulsivity can result in conflicts with friends or romantic partners.

Family Strain:

• Parental Conflicts: Increased independence often leads to clashes with parents over rules, academic expectations, and behaviour.
• Siblings: Sibling rivalry may intensify due to increased competition and perceived favouritism.

Self-Esteem and Identity:

• Negative Self-Perception: Academic struggles and social issues may lead to a negative self-image, anxiety, and even depression.
• Identity Formation: Managing ADHD during this stage can affect a teen's ability to build a positive sense of self and future aspirations.

Career Challenges:

• Time Management: Difficulty prioritising tasks and managing time can lead to missed deadlines, underperformance, or job loss.
Career Stability: Frequent job changes and underachievement may prevent career advancement or financial stability.
• Workplace Conflicts: Impulsivity and emotional regulation issues can cause tension with co-workers or supervisors.

Relationship Struggles:

• Romantic Relationships: Impulsivity, inattentiveness, and emotional dysregulation can strain marriages or partnerships, often leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.
• Parenting Challenges: Adults with ADHD may struggle to establish routines, enforce rules, and model organisational skills for their children.

Financial Difficulties:

• Impulsive Spending: Poor impulse control can lead to overspending, debt, or difficulty saving for long-term goals.
• Disorganisation: Losing bills or important financial documents can result in missed payments and financial instability.

Emotional and Mental Health:

• Self-Esteem Issues: Chronic underachievement and perceived failures may result in low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression.
• Co-Occurring Conditions: Many adults with ADHD also experience other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.