ADHD Briefcase - Edition 8 - 2023

Introduction

ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that is persistent, interferes with functioning and is inappropriate for the developmental level of a minor. Some of the symptoms of ADHD include: An inability to sustain attention, difficulties in task initiation and completion, distractibility, forgetfulness, making careless mistakes, being talkative, restless, excessive motor activity and disruptive behaviour towards others.

ADHD and Covid -19: Lessons learnt

There could be no doubt that for a vulnerable population group, and in this case, people diagnosed with ADHD, the regulations during the international lockdown due to Covid-19, with its significant implications for social discourse, education and freedom of movement, would have had a profound effect on their functioning and coping with their lives in general. It is therefore fitting to peruse the literature to see what we have learnt about the impact of Covid-19 lockdown regulations on children and adolescents living with ADHD.

The impact of motherhood on women with ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a global prevalence affecting 3 - 7% of the adult population, of which 38% are women. This neurodevelopmental disorder has its onset in childhood, with the ratio of ADHD in boys vs. girls of 3:1. This ratio equalises in adulthood to 1:1. This implies that many girls with mostly inattentive symptoms of ADHD are underdiagnosed.