What is Attention Deficit Hyperacticity Disorder- and can adults also have it?

I love life,
Always have and always will. I see every day as a blessing, a reason to smile and a reason to thrive.
Every day I get busy... As an adult sometimes a little 'too busy' :) many of my clients, even though they are not always aware of it, and it most definitely is not always a problem, sometimes get 'too busy' too...

ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a behavioural condition that makes focusing on everyday requests and routines challenging - Not impossible

My colleagues all know me as 'the busy one'. Always up to something, getting something done, starting something or riding the chair down the corridor... Yes that also happens. The thing is however that they don't always understand why. Why am i always busy starting something new or doing something that on occasion means more work for them too.

So here is my attempt at explaining....

Here is a brief understanding of what ADHD is and how it can affect children and adults.

People with ADHD typically have trouble:
• getting organized, (where to start and where to stop)
• staying focused, (one thing! one thing! one thing!)
• making realistic plans and
• thinking before acting.
They may be fidgety, noisy and unable to adapt to changing situations. Or, like in my case, they occasionally get busy in what they view as a 'productive' manner. directing their energy at something good - a functional type of ADHD (me).

But then there are the instances where ADHD becomes problematic, Impacting on the persons quality of life; creating significant impairment of functioning in school or home.
Children with ADHD can be defiant, socially inept or aggressive. For an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, he or she must have had some of these symptoms during childhood. Again I was lucky, vesting all my energy into sport and arts.

The symptoms of ADHD fall into two distinct categories 1:inattention and 2: hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Symptoms of Inattention:

• difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks, or setting up tools needed for a task
• easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds
• does not pay attention to detail or follow instructions carefully
• makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
• fails to finish schoolwork or other chores
• loses things and is forgetful
• does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; lethargic, appears to be daydreaming

Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity:
• restless, fidgeting with hand or feet or squirming while seated
• unable to stay seated or play quietly
• as small child, may run, jump, or climb about constantly
• talks excessively at inappropriate times
• blurts out answers before questions are completed
• has trouble taking turns or waiting on line
• interrupts or intrudes on others; grabs things from people

How / Where to get Help:
Families considering treatment options should consult a qualified mental health professional
• Neurologist
• Paediatrician
• Clinical Psychologist
• Occupational Therapist
for a complete review of their child's or own behavioural issues and a treatment plan.

Or as in my case, I make the most of every day using my energy to benefit my life. Yes, it means I probably make more work for myself but I love it. And at night I get to sleep REALLY WELL!! (I also use my energy to make myself- and others laugh; see the pic below)

Hope this helps someone out there :)