Types of mental health conditions - ADHD


While ADHD can be highly problematic for a child, if left unchecked, can continue to cause significant problems into adolescence and adulthood, effecting work, relationships, difficultly in forming social connections, difficulties with handling stress, difficulties in concentration, and not being able to handle the situations and problems of everyday life. 


Types of ADHD


Inattentive ADHD - In this type of ADHD, a person's mind is always distracted by something else so they can't easily focus on anything specific. They don't do it intentionally; they just don't have any control over their distracted mind.


Impulsive/Hyperactive ADHD - In this type of ADHD a person doesn't have control over their reactions to things. They also tend to have a high amount of energy which is expressed through hyperactive, disruptive behaviour, often negatively impacting their own, and other people's lives.


Combined ADHD - This has all the conditions of Inattentive, Impulsive and Hyperactive ADHD.


Risks associated with ADHD


Individuals with ADHD may suffer from: 


  • Low self-esteem and bullying.
  • School and social problems - due to hyper or impulsive behaviour, which can include suspension from school, low grades and failure in exams.
  • Work problems - have trouble coping with stress at work, or working to deadlines, as well as difficulty in following orders and forming relationships with co-workers.
  • Depression - as a result or retaliation and non-acceptance from others because of hyperactive behaviour.
  • Having a chaotic, disorganised and messy life.
  • Getting into trouble and breaking the law - due to unchecked impulsivity.
  • Trouble forming relationships - especially for teenagers and young adults.
  • Easting disorders and substance abuse - as a way of escaping their condition, and isolation, and making life more bearable.


If ADHD goes unaddressed, it can cause significant problems in childhood, as well as into adolescence and adulthood, causing immense challenges to everyday life.