Working with ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition, with an estimated 2.6m people in the UK living with it. Because of its prevalence, dental professionals must thoroughly understand the disorder, and the impact it may have on people’s lives. ADHD symptoms are varied, depending on the person. Sometimes, this means that people aren’t diagnosed until later in life, forcing them to live with the condition without effective management.

To help people gain a better understanding, symptoms can be broken down into two sections: inattentiveness, and hyperactivity. Inattentive symptoms may lead to difficulty concentrating and focusing. The main signs include having a short attention span, forgetfulness, being unable to carry out tasks which are tedious or time-consuming, difficulty with organisation and many more. On the other hand, hyperactive signs may include fidgeting, trouble concentrating on tasks, excessive moving and talking, interrupting and more.