A medical doctor at Lugbe General Hospital, Abuja, Dr Ummusalma Faruk, has called for increased awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, organisation and task completion.
Faruk made the call in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Thursday while speaking on the effects of ADHD and available management options for people living with the condition.
She said ADHD was not simply a matter of laziness, poor discipline or lack of interest, emphasising that people living with the condition could face challenges in school, at work, in relationships and other areas of life.
According to her, ADHD can affect both children and adults, although symptoms may present differently depending on a person’s age, environment and individual circumstances.
She explained that common symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganisation, impulsive behaviour, restlessness and difficulty completing tasks, adding that these challenges could affect daily functioning and productivity.
Faruk cautioned against self-diagnosis, noting that occasional forgetfulness, distraction or restlessness did not necessarily mean a person had ADHD.
“Proper assessment by qualified health professionals is important to distinguish ADHD from other conditions or circumstances that could produce similar symptoms,” she said.
She said management could involve a combination of approaches depending on individual needs, including behavioural strategies, psychological support, educational or workplace adjustments, and medication where clinically indicated.
“Parents, teachers, employers and the general public should avoid labelling people with ADHD as ‘lazy’, ‘stubborn’, ‘careless’ or ‘unserious’,” she said.
She added that understanding and appropriate support could help people with ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms and function effectively.
The doctor encouraged people who consistently experienced difficulties with attention, organisation, impulse control or completing daily activities to seek professional evaluation and appropriate support.
She emphasised that early recognition and timely intervention could significantly improve the quality of life of people living with ADHD.
It was reported that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can interfere with functioning, development and overall wellbeing.
