About 5% of people in the UK have ADHD and they are still being left without getting the right amount of support, this leaves many not even being aware that they have it. ADHD is among one of the most common mental illnesses that has a long-term impact on an individual’s quality of life, although you might not think that, this can be due to many things but particularly the lack of understanding surrounding ADHD which creates an environment and society that doesn’t have the right words, information or resources to connect with those who have ADHD.

As a result and despite being common, those with ADHD are constantly being left behind in the eyes of the government, the communities they belong to, their own family/friends and society in general. 

The only way for increased support is by talking about ADHD and allowing others to acknowledge and learn what it’s like to have ADHD and how society could be improved to better accommodate the diverse needs of those with it.

So, what is ADHD? 

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is a condition that affects behaviour and the way the brain responds to certain situations.  

There is no known cause for ADHD and why someone’s brain turns out the way it does. However, many cases lead back to genetics.  

What can ADHD affect? 

Day to day life can take a significant impact when living with ADHD, this can result in hardships in the following areas: 

• Family life 
• Friendships 
• Relationships  

• Work life 
• Education 
• Well-being 

Autism which often gets paired or confused with ADHD has slowly been gaining more recognition, which is yet another ‘disorder’ that has been left out of discussions for far too long, just like ADHD. However, only one is currently working it’s way towards a better light in terms of awareness from the public and general society. 

There has also been a significant increase in acknowledgement surrounding mental health over the past few years, something that those with ADHD are still fighting for in the UK and worldwide.

Stigma is one of the main reasons why ADHD is such a frowned upon topic. A lot of media outlets fuel those who are already misinformed by adding even more stereotypes and judgements to the conversation. This all adds to the weight of stigma that those with ADHD are forced to carry around and feel on a daily basis, this often leads to many not seeking out the support they need.  

Those seeking help for ADHD also have long waiting lists, over half of adults diagnosed by the NHS waited 7 months or more. There are also known cases of people having to wait up to 7 years in certain parts of the country or having no access at all where they live.

While waiting to be diagnosed 96% of adults experienced an increased impact in many areas of their lives, including problems such as: work, family life and well-being (to name a few)

Another reason why many people find themselves not requiring support is because GPs attitudes towards ADHD are often the same as the media portrays it. This is often from a lack of training and awareness, that causes many harmful stereotypes of what they think ADHD looks like compared to what it actually is to be present.

A lack of information and resources for the public is yet another reason why people may not seek out the help they need. From the media and GPs telling society misinformation on ADHD, to the lack of education taught in school about this topic which often leaves people feeling more confused than before and adds towards the misunderstanding that surrounds society. 

The lack of training that GPs have on ADHD often leads to misdiagnosis and without the proper information and resources out there for an individual seeking help, they may not have the correct words to describe the way they are feeling.  

ATTENTIONUK 

AttentionUK is a campaign that has been fighting for ADHD and as said by them, “If you think stigma against ADHD doesn’t exist, try typing ‘ADHD medication’ into your search bar and see what suggestions come up.” 

What are the goals for this campaign? 

As said by this campaign…  

“#AttentionUK is campaigning for formal recognition from the elected government about the scale of this problem, to be followed by their pledge that by 2025 every person with ADHD in the UK will be able to access the treatment and support that the National Guidelines for this condition recommend, and which commissioners have a legal requirement to follow.” 

There are many steps that need to be taken by everyone so that with time many conversations on this topic can be started, so that we can work towards identifying difficulties that are faced by those with ADHD and what needs changing within the system to better help and support those with living with ADHD. More people need to learn about ADHD so that stigma is not at the centre point when any discussions are made.  

Find more information on this campaign HERE

This campaign is fighting for the inclusion and support that is not often seen within the ADHD community. With hopes that it gets more positive media coverage and becomes a main topic of discussion.  

ADHD was only really recognised in the UK around 2000, It remains under-identified, under-diagnosed, and under-treated despite national guidelines. Which even led the World Health Organisation to criticise the UK since then for ignoring national and international guidelines on responsible ADHD provision. 

There needs to be urgent steps taken so that people with ADHD are no longer pushed into the background of society with little to no support.