What is ADHD?

ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels across the lifespan and is now recognised as one of the most frequently diagnosed childhood and adult mental health conditions worldwide. It can significantly impact school, university, work, relationships and emotional wellbeing, but effective assessment and treatment can make a profound difference.

ADHD is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity or impulsivity that interfere with day-to-day functioning or development. People with ADHD often experience challenges with focus, organisation, time management, restlessness and impulsive behaviours, even when they are motivated and trying their best.

Common areas affected include:

Attention and concentration, like staying on task, listening and following instructions for example
Executive functioning, including planning, organising, prioritising, starting and finishing tasks
Emotional regulation, such as managing frustration, rejection sensitivity and mood swings
Behavioural control, for example impulsivity, acting without thinking and risk-taking

Despite common myths, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, laziness or a lack of willpower. ADHD reflects brain-based differences in how attention, motivation and self-regulation systems develop.

How common is ADHD?

Current research shows ADHD is widespread across both children and adults globally and in Australia. In Australia, ADHD is one of the most commonly encountered difficulties in child and adolescent mental health services.

According to the Brain Foundation, ADHD affects approximately 281,000 children and adolescents and 533,000 adults in Australia. More recent Australian summaries suggest the number of adults with ADHD is higher than what is currently being recorded
Recent data shows around 470,000 Australians were prescribed ADHD medication in 2022-2023, an increase of almost 300% in 10 years, with a particularly sharp rise in adults and women. Symptoms in girls and women are often harder to recognise as they can be less obvious
Australian statistics suggest ADHD is still underdiagnosed, especially in adults and girls, even though diagnosis and treatment rates have been rising
One Australian report quoted by RACGP said around 5% of children have ADHD, but only up to 1.74% of children were receiving medication, implying many cases were not being recognised or treated
Reports have said about 2.5% of adults may have ADHD, while only 0.2% were being treated at the time of the findings, which was described as roughly 1 in 10 adults with ADHD being recognised and treated

These statistics highlight both the true prevalence of ADHD and the growing awareness and recognition of the condition in the community.

How ADHD affects children, teens and adults?

The impact of ADHD is broad, often affecting education, work, relationships and self-esteem. Following are some real impacts on the various ages of people impacted by ADHD.

Children

Learning and school: difficulties sustaining attention, following instructions and completing work can lead to underachievement despite average or high ability
Behaviour and friendships: impulsivity, emotional outbursts and social skill differences may cause conflict with peers and educators
Self-esteem: frequent criticism or getting into trouble can lead to shame, anxiety and low confidence

Adolescents

Increasing academic demands expose challenges with planning, organisation and time management
Increased levels of risk-taking behaviours, accidents and substance use due to impulsivity and sensation-seeking
Complex social dynamics and feeling different can contribute to depression or anxiety

Adults

ADHD frequently persists into adulthood, even if obvious hyperactivity decreases.

Work: difficulties prioritising, meeting deadlines, managing emails and maintaining consistent performance can affect career progression and job security
Home and daily life: chronic lateness, unfinished tasks, clutter and financial disorganisation are common concerns
Relationships: partners may experience the person as forgetful, inconsistent or not listening, contributing to conflict and misunderstanding
Mental health: ADHD is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use and emotional dysregulation

ADHD has been linked with academic and occupational underachievement, driving and accident risks, financial difficulties, higher divorce rates, and gambling and other addictive behavioural patterns.

How is ADHD treated?

A thorough assessment informs a tailored treatment plan, which often combines several evidence-based approaches. This involves a practitioner gathering information from the person about their development, education, work, health and family history. Questionnaires are often a part of the assessment process for the person to complete, along with someone who is close to you and knows you well, completing a questionnaire as well. The assessment for ADHD will determine if there are any other co-existing conditions, like anxiety, depression, learning difficulties or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Psychological therapies

Psychological treatment focuses on practical strategies, skill development, coping skills and emotional wellbeing.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): helps people understand the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, build routines, manage procrastination and perfectionism and address anxiety and low moods. CBT specifically adapted for adult ADHD has been shown to reduce core symptoms, improve executive functioning and enhance everyday functioning, both with and without medication
ADHD coaching and skills training: focuses on planning, organising, goal-setting, time management and accountability for daily tasks
Psychoeducation: learning about ADHD helps individuals and families/partners reframe challenges, reduce shame and develop more compassionate, strengths-based narratives
Family and parenting support: helps parents and carers respond effectively, establish structure and routines and strengthen relationships
Examining environmental adjustments: identifying what circumstances can be adapted or adjusted to better support the person with ADHD is a helpful way to assist someone with ADHD
EMDR – whilst EMDR is not considered a first line of treatment for ADHD, it is incredibly effective if someone with ADHD also has a history of trauma, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, emotional dysregulation or strong negative self-beliefs.

Medication

Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can reduce core ADHD symptoms for many people with ADHD and are commonly used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication can improve attention, reduce hyperactivity/impulsivity and support functioning at school, work and home, but requires careful prescribing and monitoring by a medical practitioner.

Living well with ADHD

With the right understanding and support, people with ADHD can thrive in education, careers, relationships and creative pursuits. Helpful lifestyle approaches can include:

Regular sleep, exercise and balanced nutrition to support mood and concentration
Structured routines, calendars, reminders and checklists to externalise memory and planning
Mindfulness and emotional regulation skills to manage stress and overwhelm
A strengths-based focus on creativity, hyperfocus, problem-solving and passion

Many people find it deeply validating to learn that lifelong struggles with focus, organisation or restlessness have a name and a clear treatment pathway, rather than reflecting personal failure. Fully understanding the nature of ADHD for yourself is important, along with people who are close to you, understanding that your brain works differently to a neurotypical brain can assist to decrease frustrations and misunderstandings.

How counselling and psychology can help with ADHD

ADHD counselling and psychology services on offer at Brisbane Counselling Centre provides specialised assessment and support for adolescents and adults experiencing attention, organisation or impulse-control difficulties suggestive of ADHD. Professional and caring psychologists and counsellors in attendance collaborate with individuals, families, schools, GPs and psychiatrists to design integrated care that fits your unique strengths, challenges and goals.

ADHD focused services at Brisbane Counselling Centre can include:

Comprehensive ADHD assessments and diagnostic clarification, including DSM-5 based evaluations and screening for co-occurring concerns
Individual therapy using CBT informed and skills-based approaches tailored for ADHD
Parent coaching and family sessions to support smoother home routines, behaviour management and communication
Collaboration with medical professionals as appropriate

If you or someone you care about is struggling with concentration, organisation, motivation or feeling constantly behind despite trying hard, an ADHD-informed assessment may be a powerful first step to take. Reaching out for support can help to create a new understanding, practical strategies and a more hopeful way to move forward.

We can help!

Connecting with one of the trained ADHD psychologists or counsellors at Brisbane Counselling Centre, who care about you and really understand ADHD can help to implement strategies and get the support you need. The psychologists and counsellors are available to help. Please call to speak with one of our friendly team members to discuss your needs further.

ADHD