Latest news with #InsideOurADHDMinds
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
6 ways ADHD impacts daily life as nearly 2.5 million people in England affected
Close to 2.5 million people in England are likely to be living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new figures. This is the first time an estimate of how common the condition could be among the population has been made publicly available. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals process information, regulate emotions and interact with the world around them. While symptoms can differ between children and adults, the root cause remains the same: their brains function differently from those who are not neurodivergent. According to NHS England, around 2,498,000 people may have ADHD – including those without a diagnosis. Of this number, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged five to 24. ADHD is not usually diagnosed in children under five because some of the traits may be part of normal development, however it's estimated 147,000 preschoolers are likely to have the condition. The new figures were developed using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which suggests that around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children and young people in England have the condition. The figures also highlight growing pressure on healthcare services, revealing that as of March 2025, more than 549,000 people in England were estimated to be waiting for an ADHD assessment. This is up from the 416,000 people who were waiting at the end of March 2024. The findings follow the release of Chris Packham's new BBC documentary, Inside Our ADHD Minds, which aired on 12 May. In the film, the 64-year-old broadcaster, who was diagnosed with autism at 44, explores the lived experiences of people with ADHD and criticises those who dismiss the condition as a fad. During an interview with Good Morning Britain to promote the show, the naturalist and nature photographer said: "There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD,' but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full on these things all of the time." People with ADHD may have trouble with things like concentration, and organisation. They may also have signs of hyperactivity such as feeling restless, having high energy levels, being more talkative or making impulsive decisions. "ADHD can greatly impact individuals lives," Tom Howcroft, from the ADHD Foundation explains. "Understanding its impacts and implementing effective management strategies can greatly enhance daily functioning and overall wellbeing. "Receiving an ADHD diagnosis offers valuable insights into personal behaviours and challenges. By recognising the multifaceted impact of ADHD and implementing personalised management strategies, individuals can enhance their daily functioning and quality of life." Howcroft says ADHD can lead to difficulties with concentration, organisation and completing tasks, which can impact your school or workplace performance. The best practice for coping with times where you feel easily distracted is to break tasks down into more manageable chunks, advises Howcroft, so focus is only needed for a short period of time. Techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes working followed by a five-minute break) can be helpful. ADHD can make forming and sustaining friendships difficult, Howcroft says, due to a lack of impulse control and hyperactivity. It can be useful to find support groups or a community of likeminded people who understand and perhaps even live with ADHD themselves. Howcroft also recommends counselling and coaching that can provide tailored strategies to help deal with the process of coming to terms with a diagnosis and how to work with your neurodivergent brain. Stress is an inevitable part of all our lives, but ADHD can lead to a heightened sense of low mood or anxiety. "Persistent stress can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to heightened anxiety and potential depressive symptoms," Howcroft explains. In these circumstances, try to take regular breaks to ground yourself and alleviate these feelings by going for a walk, doing exercise, spending time outside or with loved ones. ADHD can also lead to "repeated challenges and misunderstandings, such as perceived failures due to impulsiveness or disorganisation which can impact self-confidence and self-worth," says Howcroft. If you have ADHD, it's important to practice self-compassion and focus on leaning into how your brain works to reframe ADHD-related struggles. ADHD has also been known to lead to "struggles with planning, prioritising and completing tasks, which can affect personal and professional responsibilities," Howcroft says. It can often help to lean on productivity tools such as planners, reminders or apps such as Notion or Monday to organise your tasks and track responsibilities and upcoming deadlines. All of this preparation can help to reduce feelings of overwhelming or feeling flustered with juggling your workload or life admin. "Individuals may experience 'time blindness' leading to difficulties in perceiving and managing time effectively," Howcroft continues. "Creating consistent daily schedules can provide structure and reduce uncertainty, aiding in task completion and time management." Read more about ADHD: Psychiatrist explains why we've seen surge in ADHD and depression (Wales online, 4-min read) Living with undiagnosed ADHD felt like I was always chasing my tail (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read) Nadia Sawalha tearful as she reveals ADHD diagnosis on Loose Women (Yahoo Entertainment, 2-min read)
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
6 ways ADHD impacts daily life as nearly 2.5 million people in England affected
Close to 2.5 million people in England are likely to be living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new figures. This is the first time an estimate of how common the condition could be among the population has been made publicly available. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals process information, regulate emotions and interact with the world around them. While symptoms can differ between children and adults, the root cause remains the same: their brains function differently from those who are not neurodivergent. According to NHS England, around 2,498,000 people may have ADHD – including those without a diagnosis. Of this number, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged five to 24. ADHD is not usually diagnosed in children under five because some of the traits may be part of normal development, however it's estimated 147,000 preschoolers are likely to have the condition. The new figures were developed using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which suggests that around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children and young people in England have the condition. The figures also highlight growing pressure on healthcare services, revealing that as of March 2025, more than 549,000 people in England were estimated to be waiting for an ADHD assessment. This is up from the 416,000 people who were waiting at the end of March 2024. The findings follow the release of Chris Packham's new BBC documentary, Inside Our ADHD Minds, which aired on 12 May. In the film, the 64-year-old broadcaster, who was diagnosed with autism at 44, explores the lived experiences of people with ADHD and criticises those who dismiss the condition as a fad. During an interview with Good Morning Britain to promote the show, the naturalist and nature photographer said: "There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD,' but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full on these things all of the time." People with ADHD may have trouble with things like concentration, and organisation. They may also have signs of hyperactivity such as feeling restless, having high energy levels, being more talkative or making impulsive decisions. "ADHD can greatly impact individuals lives," Tom Howcroft, from the ADHD Foundation explains. "Understanding its impacts and implementing effective management strategies can greatly enhance daily functioning and overall wellbeing. "Receiving an ADHD diagnosis offers valuable insights into personal behaviours and challenges. By recognising the multifaceted impact of ADHD and implementing personalised management strategies, individuals can enhance their daily functioning and quality of life." Howcroft says ADHD can lead to difficulties with concentration, organisation and completing tasks, which can impact your school or workplace performance. The best practice for coping with times where you feel easily distracted is to break tasks down into more manageable chunks, advises Howcroft, so focus is only needed for a short period of time. Techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes working followed by a five-minute break) can be helpful. ADHD can make forming and sustaining friendships difficult, Howcroft says, due to a lack of impulse control and hyperactivity. It can be useful to find support groups or a community of likeminded people who understand and perhaps even live with ADHD themselves. Howcroft also recommends counselling and coaching that can provide tailored strategies to help deal with the process of coming to terms with a diagnosis and how to work with your neurodivergent brain. Stress is an inevitable part of all our lives, but ADHD can lead to a heightened sense of low mood or anxiety. "Persistent stress can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to heightened anxiety and potential depressive symptoms," Howcroft explains. In these circumstances, try to take regular breaks to ground yourself and alleviate these feelings by going for a walk, doing exercise, spending time outside or with loved ones. ADHD can also lead to "repeated challenges and misunderstandings, such as perceived failures due to impulsiveness or disorganisation which can impact self-confidence and self-worth," says Howcroft. If you have ADHD, it's important to practice self-compassion and focus on leaning into how your brain works to reframe ADHD-related struggles. ADHD has also been known to lead to "struggles with planning, prioritising and completing tasks, which can affect personal and professional responsibilities," Howcroft says. It can often help to lean on productivity tools such as planners, reminders or apps such as Notion or Monday to organise your tasks and track responsibilities and upcoming deadlines. All of this preparation can help to reduce feelings of overwhelming or feeling flustered with juggling your workload or life admin. "Individuals may experience 'time blindness' leading to difficulties in perceiving and managing time effectively," Howcroft continues. "Creating consistent daily schedules can provide structure and reduce uncertainty, aiding in task completion and time management." Read more about ADHD: Psychiatrist explains why we've seen surge in ADHD and depression (Wales online, 4-min read) Living with undiagnosed ADHD felt like I was always chasing my tail (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read) Nadia Sawalha tearful as she reveals ADHD diagnosis on Loose Women (Yahoo Entertainment, 2-min read)
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Inside Our ADHD Minds review – Chris Packham's revelatory show couldn't be more crucial
Inside Our ADHD Minds is a follow-up, of sorts, to Chris Packham's memorable 2023 documentary, Inside Our Autistic Minds. In that earlier film, the wildlife and nature presenter used his own experience of neurodiversity to help other people explore and demonstrate the impact of autism on their lives, for the benefit of their family, friends and a wider TV audience. Inside Our ADHD Minds uses the same formula – Packham walks through woodland as he explains something important, anecdotes about his own life, informative chats with experts, and art therapy in the form of expressive short films – to dig deeper into the condition, and, in the following episode, dyslexia. The result is a beautiful and revelatory programme which feels educational without being didactic; Packham rejects the name 'attention deficit hyperactivity disorder', for example, explaining that it is not a deficit of attention, but a struggle to regulate it. The documentary takes a two-pronged approach. Packham interviews experts, who deliver the framework of information. One suggests that having ADHD is like having six televisions in your brain, blaring at the same time, and trying to watch them all at once, and explains that people with ADHD have lower dopamine levels and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Another expert talks about how boys and girls often present ADHD symptoms differently at school, and how diagnoses were heavily gendered until shockingly recently, which might be why it is more common for women to receive a diagnosis at a later age. But the primary focus is on two individuals, Henry and Jo, who are given the chance to articulate their inner worlds by making short films about them, much like the participants in Inside Our Autistic Minds. Henry is in his early 20s, and was diagnosed with ADHD at school, during his A-levels. He tried the medication he was prescribed, but did not like the way it made him feel. He works as a tour guide in Soho, and you can see why he is good at it: he is a garrulous and energetic presence. But to Packham, he is open about his difficulties in managing day-to-day life and his fears that his family don't know who he really is. He sometimes forgets to eat. His room is a mess. He worries that he is lazy, incapable, and he worries about what his parents would think if they knew the truth about him. Jo, meanwhile, was diagnosed later in life, after years of being unable to settle, and being told that she was 'too much'. She explains that she has had 14 different careers, and talks about reaching a crisis point at work, where she couldn't do what she was there to do. It wasn't until her eldest daughter told her about a friend at university with ADHD that Jo started to realise what might be going on. For her, medication did help. But, like Henry, there are overwhelming feelings of shame and sadness; there is a sense for both that they are frequently misunderstood, even judged negatively. This programme is tuned in to the complexities and sheer variety of neurodiversity and personal experience. There are gendered, generational, environmental and perhaps even class-based differences here. Henry is seeking the understanding of his parents, who have been supportive throughout his teenage years, but is resistant to any sense that they might want to 'fix' him. He appears to be asking for acknowledgment that he operates, and will continue to operate, in a different way. In his film, he is setting out a practical task: he wants his family to see how he lives and what supposedly ordinary activities, such as remembering to attend an important meeting, are like for him. For Jo, the task is more emotional. She would like her family to see the impact of her diagnosis and to understand the grief that she feels, about the person she might have been had she received help and support earlier in her life. The menopause, she explains, 'played havoc' with her ADHD and this put a strain on her relationships. She is still working through guilt and grief. For both Jo and Henry, talking to Packham, then making their films, offer a form of self-expression that they have struggled to find elsewhere. Inside Our Minds comes at a crucial time. One woman interviewed here, at an art workshop in Bristol for women with ADHD, says that her doctor suggested she had been influenced by TikTok fads. BBC-ishly, this documentary says nothing of the far-right, anti-woke rhetoric that has now hitched parts of its rickety wagon to what it calls an overdiagnosis of neurodiversity. Nevertheless, Packham and his team offer a calm and clear refutation of these harmful notions, simply by telling real-life stories, and using the humanising power of artistic expression. Inside Our ADHD Minds aired on BBC Two and is on iPlayer now.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 ways ADHD impacts daily life as Chris Packham presents documentary on the condition
Ahead of the release of his new documentary Inside Our ADHD Minds, broadcaster Chris Packham has criticised those who dismiss attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a fad. ADHD is a neurodevelopment condition that affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK, which influences how individuals experience, process, and respond to the world around them. While children and adults may show different symptoms, the underlying cause is the same: their brains function differently from those who are not neurodivergent. Now 64-year-old Packham, who was diagnosed with autism at 44, is returning with a new instalment of his Inside Our Minds series. This time, he's met people living with ADHD, with the documentary premiering tonight at 9pm on BBC Two. The naturalist and nature photographer told Good Morning Britain today: "There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD,' but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full on these things all of the time. "That can have quite a significant impact on their lives, particularly when they're young, and particularly, I have to say, if they are young females, girls and young women, where they're not getting the diagnosis in the time that they should, so that they can live happier and more fulfilled lives. So our mission here is to ask people to better understand these conditions so that we can make small changes in society to make all of our lives easier and more productive." Speaking about people who casually claim to have ADHD symptoms without a diagnosis, he added: "Let's be clear, some of the traits that I have as an autistic person and people have as someone with ADHD, it is a spectrum condition, you may have some of those [traits], but they may not be impacting on your life in the same way that they do ours. "In our programs, we ask our contributors, brave, bold people who speak out frankly about the difficulties and challenges these conditions present in their life. But also, I have to say, about the attributes that they confer on their capacity to do things. It's not all negative." The NHS estimates that 3-4% of adults and 5% of children in the UK have ADHD, with many presenting symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, forgetting tasks (or everyday events like brushing your teeth) or struggling to manage your time. The condition may also present itself in hyperactivity, such as feeling restless, having high energy levels, being more talkative or making impulsive decisions. "ADHD can greatly impact individuals lives," Tom Howcroft, from the ADHD Foundation explains. "Understanding its impacts and implementing effective management strategies can greatly enhance daily functioning and overall wellbeing. "Receiving an ADHD diagnosis offers valuable insights into personal behaviours and challenges. By recognising the multifaceted impact of ADHD and implementing personalised management strategies, individuals can enhance their daily functioning and quality of life." Howcroft says ADHD can lead to difficulties with concentration, organisation, and completing tasks, which can impact your school or workplace performance. The best practice for coping with times were you feel easily distracted is to break tasks down into more manageable chunks, advises Howcroft, so focus is only needed for a short period of time. Techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes working followed by a five-minute break) can be helpful. ADHD can make forming and sustaining friendships difficult, Howcroft says, due to a lack of impulse control and hyperactivity. It can be useful to find support groups or a community of likeminded people who understand and perhaps even live with ADHD themselves. Howcroft also recommends counselling and coaching that can provide tailored strategies to help deal with the process of coming to terms with a diagnosis and how to work with your neurodivergent brain. Stress is an inevitable part of all our lives, but ADHD can lead to a heightened sense of low mood or anxiety. "Persistent stress can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, leading to heightened anxiety and potential depressive symptoms," Howcroft explains. In these circumstances, try to take regular breaks to ground yourself and alleviate these feelings by going for a walk, doing exercise, spending time outside or with loved ones. ADHD can also lead to "repeated challenges and misunderstandings, such as perceived failures due to impulsiveness or disorganisation which can impact self-confidence and self-worth," says Howcroft. If you have ADHD, it's important to practice self-compassion and focus on leaning into how your brain works to reframe ADHD-related struggles. ADHD has also been known to lead to "struggles with planning, prioritising and completing tasks, which can affect personal and professional responsibilities," Howcroft says. It can often help to lean on productivity tools such as planners, reminders or apps such as Notion or Monday to organise your tasks and track responsibilities and upcoming deadlines. All of this preparation can help to reduce feelings of overwhelming or feeling flustered with juggling your workload or life admin. "Individuals may experience 'time blindness' leading to difficulties in perceiving and managing time effectively," Howcroft continues. "Creating consistent daily schedules can provide structure and reduce uncertainty, aiding in task completion and time management." Read more about ADHD: Psychiatrist explains why we've seen surge in ADHD and depression (Wales online, 4-min read) Living with undiagnosed ADHD felt like I was always chasing my tail (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read) Nadia Sawalha tearful as she reveals ADHD diagnosis on Loose Women (Yahoo Entertainment, 2-min read)
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Bad Nanny, Inside Our ADHD Minds and The Match
Bog Amach RTÉ One, 8.30pm Emer Mhic an Fhailí meets Ciara Devaney, who has spent two years trying to find a property close to where she lives in Clondalkin that is commutable to where she works in the centre of Dublin. Inside Our ADHD Minds BBC Two, 9pm Following the success of 2023's Inside Our Autistic Minds, Chris Packham explores Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The aim is for viewers to gain a greater understanding of the neurodivergent world, whether they have received a diagnosis or not. Bad Nanny RTÉ One, 9.35pm Two-part profile of Samantha Cookes, who was jailed earlier this year, after being convicted on multiple counts of deception and theft. The programme begins by detailing the schemes she carried out while posing as a terminally ill author. Schindler's List TG4, 9.30pm Steven Spielberg's Holocaust drama focuses on the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a Nazi party member who saved Jews by employing them in his factory. A Deadly American Marriage Netflix, streaming now The story of Jason Corbett and Molly Martens was always going to be made into a Netflix documentary. Corbett, a widower, got married in 2008 to Martens, his Tennessee au pair. They left Ireland to start over in North Carolina with his kids, Jack and Sarah. Their story took a dark turn in August 2015, when Molly and her dad, former FBI agent Thomas Martens, were in an altercation resulting in Jason's death. Molly later entered a no-contest plea, claiming self-defence, while Thomas was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in 2023. After their 2024 prison release, uncertainty remained about certain facets. Directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell, this documentary includes exclusive interviews providing insight into the divergent perspectives of those involved, leaving some grappling with the question of: 'Who was the real victim?' And, given Jack and Sarah's unbelievably brave contributions, the answer to that would be: the kids. Rose International Dance Prize Marquee TV, streaming now For those unfamiliar with Marquee TV, it's your global streaming platform for the arts. This 60-minute film, narrated by Fiona Shaw (Bad Sisters, Harry Potter, plus too many more to mention), sees internationally acclaimed choreographers compete for dance's version of the Oscars. Octopus! Prime Video, streaming now Narrated by Phoebe Fleabag Waller-Bridge, this marvellous mash-up chronicles being killed by a lover, losing yourself in Mexico, spotting a unicorn, befriending a competitive quilter, exploring our connection with aliens, and extra Tracy Morgan. This is how all nature documentaries ought to be produced from now on. The Match Netflix, streaming now If you're watching season two of The Devil's Plan and wondering why there's always a Go master in the line-up, this cut-throat drama could give you some context. For something at the other end of the spectrum entirely, Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon and a rake load of other famous people star in Nonnas.
