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What is ADHD?

Andrew Bellingham

Andrew Bellingham

Pharmacist | 20+ Years | BPharm | Dip Clin Pharm

In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the challenges faced by people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is crucial. ADHD is more than just a buzzword; it’s a genuine and often misunderstood condition that affects people of all ages.

Core Characteristics of ADHD

One of the most important things to understand about ADHD, like with many mental conditions, is that it affects people in different ways. That’s to say, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all definition that can be broadly assigned to people living with ADHD everyday. 

These are the three core characteristics of ADHD: 

  • Inattention: People with ADHD often find it difficult to focus on one task at a time, which leads them to easily be sidetracked with other tasks

  • Hyperactivity: People with ADHD often feel restless, with an overabundance of energy that seemingly doesn’t deplete

  • Impulsivity: This simply means that people with ADHD tend to fast-forward through the decision-making progress, without considering the potential consequences of their actions


If you know someone with ADHD, it’s important to bear in mind that these characteristics are due to their condition and should be treated with empathy and care. 

Causes and Risk Factors of ADHD

It’s not common that a person’s diagnosis of ADHD can be attributed to any one thing, rather it’s usually a combination of various factors that together lead to the person being diagnosed with ADHD. 

Genetic Factors:

ADHD often runs in families, which means you’re more likely to have ADHD if there’s a history of it in your family. Though you may be the first person in your family to be officially diagnosed with the condition, you may notice the core characteristics in other members of your family.

Neurobiological Factors:

People living with ADHD often have imbalances in the neurotransmitters in their brain, affecting the way the brain transmits naturally occurring chemicals like dopamine, which can lead to the manifestation of the ADHD’s symptoms. 

Order Your ADHD Prescription with Healthera

If you’ve been prescribed a medication like Ritalin by your GP to help treat your ADHD, you can now place your order online from your local pharmacy with Healthera.

It only takes a few minutes to set up your prescription for collection or home delivery, right to your door. 

To get started, simply click the button below:

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