Around 5 – 10% of children and young people are affected by ADHD and around 1.5% are severely affected. Any young person is susceptible to getting ADHD, however, it is said to be more evident in young people that have grown up in a disruptive environment and whom have unhealthy diets (a common example is consuming too much sugar).

However, It may not be diagnosed for a long time so some people don’t know they’ve got it until they are adults. If you do have ADHD then it may continue to be a problem as you get older, this is not always the case, for some people it improves as they get older.

No-one knows the exact cause. It clearly runs in families and so if one of your parents or brothers and sisters has it you are more likely to develop the condition. Boys suffer much more than girls.

Talk to someone you trust (like a parent or teacher) then go to see your doctor or another health care professional and ask for an assessment by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or another professional with experience in the area. If you are over 18 there may be problems with getting an assessment as there aren’t many people in this field who work with over 18's. If you wish to find someone get in touch with us and we will put you in touch with someone.

If you are having a tough time with your child and you have noticed how increasingly disruptive they are being then you should try the following:

• Take them to see a doctor and talk to them about how your child is behaving.
• Explain to them how you would wish for them to have an assessment to determine if they have ADHD. In doing this they should make a referral to a medical professional who will correctly diagnose your child and you can take it from there with their advice.

In the meantime, try to avoid giving your child anything that could increase their hyperactivity such as sweets and other junk foods. Even if they go in a tantrum you must stay determined. Also encourage exercise or sporting activities for your child so that they burn off some energy.

Also, reward and discipline is a key focus for helping them. Try to encourage them to concentrate on homework and mentor them in doing this, give them as much support as possible. If they do well, try to treat them by playing sports or any other fun activity with them.

The right treatment is dependant on the extent of the ADHD. For everyone, a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, social skills training and parent-training (for the parents – assuming the sufferer still lives at home). Involvement of parents and carers is essential as is education of both family/carers and the sufferer themselves.

For people who are severely affected medicinal therapy is highly recommended.

In the meantime you may want to Chat to a Buddy, or check out our Treatments and Self Help sections, try to take little steps everyday to make yourself feel better.