What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that can cause higher or lower levels of hyperactive or impulsive behaviours. Adults with ADHD may have trouble focusing their attention for long periods of time or sitting still.

Many adults with ADHD experience inattention or changes in their energy levels which can affect their studies, work and home life.

What are the signs of ADHD in adults?

There are a wide range of behaviours associated with ADHD and these can include:

• Having a short attention span
• Being easily distracted
• Having difficulty sitting still
• Difficulty organising things
• Being forgetful about completing tasks
• Fidgeting
• Talking excessively
• Interrupting others when they’re speaking
• Finding it hard to wait their turn

What are the types of ADHD?

When you are diagnosed with ADHD, you are diagnosed with one of the three types. These types include predominantly inattentive, hyperactivity-impulsive or a combination of both.

Predominantly inattentive

Adults with the inattentive type of ADHD are likely to have extreme difficulties focusing, finishing tasks and following instructions.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

Adults with this type typically show hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. This can include fidgeting, interrupting others when they’re speaking and being unable to wait their turn to do things. Although this type isn’t focused on inattentive behaviour, many may still find it difficult to focus on tasks.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive

This type is the most common type of ADHD in adults, where people show both behaviours associated with the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. This can include but isn’t limited to being unable to pay attention, impulsive behaviours and above-average levels of activity and energy levels.

I believe I may have ADHD, how do I get diagnosed?

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be a lengthy process, but there are steps you can take to start this process and get that all important diagnosis.

1. Get in touch with your GP.
2. Your GP will refer you to your local mental health team.
3. Your local mental health team will refer you to an ADHD specialist neurobehavioural psychiatrist. They will then conduct an assessment which takes between 1-3 hours. The assessment looks at your signs of ADHD and how it impacts your work and everyday life.

How can Enna support me?

If you think you have ADHD or are diagnosed, we can support you to find work.

Search for job opportunities

We partner with neurodiversity friendly employers and advertise their job opportunities through our jobs board.

You can search for jobs and if you’re interested in applying, register your CV with us and we will send your CV to the recruiter.

Informal and confidential advice

We can give you advice to help you on your job search. All you need to do is email hello@enna.org and we can find a suitable time to talk, over the phone or zoom.

Coaching

For individuals looking for a bit of extra support, we offer 1-1 coaching with our neurodiversity specialist coaches. You can find out more on our coaching page here.