ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affects at least 280,000 New Zealanders. First recognised over 100 years ago, the condition has been poorly diagnosed and mismanaged for decades.
Although there is a broader understanding of ADHD today, the impulsive, hyperactive, and erratic behaviour that goes with the disorder can place enormous stress on all those affected.
Receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment, plus the help of a good support network, can make dealing with ADHD much easier for you, your child, and your extended family.
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What is the meaning of ADHD?
ADHD, also known as ADD (attention deficit disorder), is a medical condition related to the brain’s frontal lobe. In people with ADHD, this part of the brain is wired differently and develops more slowly.
The frontal lobe is responsible for:
- Managing and processing attention
- Emotion and behaviour
- Physical motor control and judgement
- Planning, organising, and timekeeping.
Sadly, although 1 out of 20 people in New Zealand has ADHD, the condition is still misunderstood, and finding the right diagnosis and treatment can be challenging.
ADHD symptoms to look out for
A definitive ADHD diagnosis can be extremely difficult to obtain. Many ADHD-like symptoms may be the result of other conditions and vary enormously.
Children often exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, but those actually with the condition will display them to a much greater extent and more consistently.
ADHD symptoms can be grouped into three main types: Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Impulsive. ADHD children tend to display at least one or two of these groups of behaviours.
The ADHD symptoms of boredom, frustration, and impatience often lead to emotional outbursts and temper tantrums.
Forming friendships can be very difficult for an ADHD person, and the disorder can significantly impact school achievement levels. One out of three or four ADHD children may also have dyslexia.
These challenging characteristics make an ADHD person feel exhausted at the end of a day spent struggling with tasks and social interactions that others find straightforward. Adults with ADHD cope with similar issues. For most, the severity of their symptoms will have lessened with age but they may still find certain tasks highly demanding.
People with ADHD also have very positive qualities, which, if encouraged and fostered, can enable them to lead very successful lives.
Some of these qualities might include:
- High energy
- Creativity
- Problem-solving skills
- Intuitiveness
- Being funny
- Adventurous
- Tenacity
- Ability to hyper-focus.
So the ‘deficit’ doesn't mean an ADHD person is less intelligent. In fact, ADHD sufferers often have immense strengths and gifts that allow them to be extremely successful.
Some famous people who have been diagnosed with ADHD include:
- Michael Phelps: US swimmer with 28 Olympic medals - 23 of them gold
- Simone Biles: US Olympic gymnast - winner of 19 World Championship gold medals and 4 Olympic gold medals
- Justin Timberlake: Grammy and Emmy award-winning US actor and singer
- Jamie Oliver: UK celebrity chef
- Emma Watson: Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador.
What causes ADHD?
Most research suggests that genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. Statistics suggest that an adult with ADHD has a 70-80% chance of having children who will also develop the condition.
Traditionally, males made up the greatest number of diagnoses, but with more comprehensive testing available now, researchers believe that ADHD affects females and males equally.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD include:
- Alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy
- Brain injury or oxygen deprivation during birth
- Premature birth with below-average birth weight.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
It is not easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in New Zealand. The only medical professionals licenced to assess children for ADHD are:
- Psychiatrists
- Paediatricians
- Neurologists
- Clinical psychologists (who can diagnose but not prescribe medication).
Your GP cannot make a diagnosis of ADHD (unless they have completed additional training in ADHD assessment), nor can they prescribe ADHD medication.
Specialist consultations are extremely expensive (up to $1,600 for a diagnosis), and you may have to travel to another geographical centre.
The path to an ADHD diagnosis for an adult is even more difficult. One New Zealand survey indicates that 80% of ADHD adults struggle to get the help they need.
The survey also revealed that most people had to wait from six months to a year to be assessed by their District Health Boards, and many were then refused further ADHD treatment. 70% were forced to go private instead - an ongoing expense because, by law, the specialist will need to review your prescription every two years.
What does an ADHD assessment look like?
The pathway to an ADHD assessment and diagnosis can be lengthy.
Diagnostic tools usually include:
- ADHD questionnaires
- Cognitive assessments
- Mental health broad screening questionnaires
- Executive functioning tests or neuropsychological assessments.
The specialist may also want to interview teachers and other family members.
ADHD treatment
ADHD is treated through medication and behaviour modification. These therapies apply to both children and adults diagnosed with ADHD.
For children, strategies to minimise problematic behaviour patterns will involve making changes to their learning and home environments. Children are also taught social skills and usually need to be praised for any ‘proper’ behaviour exhibited.
For adults, it’s essential to construct a system that encourages lifestyle changes, better time management, and skills to see tasks to the end. Alcohol or drug addiction issues also need to be addressed.
Medications which support lifestyle changes, such as methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine, may also be a necessity. The purpose of these medicines is to help ADHD-diagnosed adults feel less impulsive, calmer, and able to focus more easily.
Fortunately, support groups are available for both ADHD-diagnosed adults and parents who have children with ADHD. Such groups allow anyone to acquire informal support, increase their knowledge on how to handle ADHD (via referrals and available resources), and exchange helpful information, experience, and techniques.
Are you prepared for life’s uncertainties?
You may not have a child with ADHD or suffer from the disorder yourself, but that’s no guarantee it won’t happen to someone you love. Think about how health insurance can cover you for the possibility.
And not all health insurance plans are the same. Some plans only pay for a tiny fraction of your treatment expenses.
Don’t let this happen to you. When buying health insurance, talk to a Policywise adviser about maximum benefit amounts for ADHD treatments, non-Pharmac cover, inclusions, and any exclusions.
We provide clear, easy-to-understand plan comparisons from different insurers so you can choose the policy with the best cover. Our service is free - and it might just change your life for the better.