Alright, gather 'round for the tale of the digital device dilemma! So, there was this big study trying to figure out if our brains get all wonky from too much screen time - you know, like turning into digital zombies from staring at our phones and tablets too much. They roped in a bunch of young folks, aged 9 to 12, and checked out how their screen habits (like gaming, watching videos, and scrolling through social media) linked up with their brain workings.   The brain boffins used some fancy MRI scans to see if kids who were glued to screens had different brain setups, especially the kind that might make them less sharp or happy. They had two big guesses: one, that too much screen time might rejig the brain's wiring, and two, that the more you're hooked to screens, the more your brain might start acting up.   But guess what? The results were as surprising as finding out your grandma is a secret gaming champion. They found zilch, zero, nada - no link between screen time and weird brain stuff. Even when they played detective to see if screens were changing kids' brain growth over two years, they still found nothing. So, it turns out screens might not be the brain bogeyman after all! Who would've thought, right? Click here (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001094522300237X?via%3Dihub)to read the full report.

Alright, quick update from the world of ADHD support in Australia! We’re super chuffed with some new ideas from a bigwig Senate inquiry about making life easier for people with ADHD. They're talking about a fancy National Framework for ADHD, more support services, letting GPs prescribe more stuff, and giving some cash to groups that help out. We say it’s about time since over a million Aussies are living with ADHD. We all need better ways to get diagnosed and treated, pronto! There was a bunch of other stuff in the report, but who’s got time read through it!  We certainly don’t so we used our knowledge and wisdom to get ChatGPT to summarise it into several key points. Below is what our ADHDForever.com Ai assistant (https://chat.openai.com/g/g-NOMdui1al-adhdforever)plucked out of it. We're gearing up to make sure our voices are heard. We'll have more to say on this in future, so stay tuned. ========================================== Some Key Points - According to Ai Analysis of the report ========================================== References to Lived Experience The document includes references to lived experiences of individuals with ADHD. These references provide valuable insights into the real-world impact of ADHD on individuals and families. Key points from these lived experiences include: 1. Personal Challenges: People with ADHD shared their struggles resulting from systemic failures in education, healthcare, employment, and justice systems. These challenges had profound effects on their personal relationships, mental health, finances, and self-esteem. The lack of adequate support had lifelong impacts on individuals and their families, affecting their self-esteem, health, relationships, education, employment, and financial situation​​. 2. Diverse Identities and Experiences: The document acknowledges that individuals with ADHD have varied and deeply personal experiences. They may or may not identify with their diagnosis as members of the disability community or as neurodivergent people. This diversity reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of ADHD as a condition​​. 3. Experiences Across Life Stages: The lived experiences shared in the report reflect challenges faced by individuals with ADHD at different life stages, from childhood to adulthood. This underscores the need for continued support and services throughout the lifespan of individuals affected by ADHD​​. 4. Impact on Quality of Life: Untreated or poorly managed ADHD can significantly impede an individual's ability to continue their education, maintain employment, and reach their full potential. This has long-term economic consequences for both individuals and society. For those with coexisting conditions, the impacts are even more severe, leading to lower wellbeing, higher healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life​​. 5. Social and Economic Costs: The failure to provide adequate ADHD services has substantial social and economic costs for individuals, families, and society. The challenges faced by individuals with ADHD often lead to increased stress, conflict, and negative wellbeing within families, affecting all family members​​. These lived experiences emphasize the need for comprehensive, accessible, and empathetic approaches to ADHD assessment and support services. They highlight the importance of understanding ADHD not just as a medical condition but as a part of an individual's identity and life experience, requiring a holistic approach to care and support. General Information 1. Background of the Inquiry: Initiated on 28 March 2023, the inquiry aimed to address barriers in the assessment, diagnosis, and support services for people with ADHD. This included evaluating access to diagnosis, support after assessment, training and attitudes of practitioners, gender bias in assessment and research, access and costs of medication, the role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and interaction of services across government levels​​. 2. Prevalence and Impact of ADHD: ADHD affects an estimated 1.25 to 1.5 million Australians, impacting all aspects of life, including emotional and sensory regulation. It predominantly manifests in childhood but can continue to affect individuals in adulthood. Around 65% of people with ADHD have coexisting physical or mental conditions, which complicates their care and treatment​​. 3. Challenges Faced by Individuals with ADHD: People with ADHD experience significant challenges due to systemic failures in education, healthcare, employment, and justice systems. These challenges impact personal relationships, mental health, finances, and self-esteem. Inadequate support services lead to high social and economic costs for individuals, families, and society​​. 4. Diagnosis and Assessment: In Australia, ADHD is typically diagnosed by paediatricians, psychiatrists, or psychologists through a process involving clinical examination, interviews, and assessment tools. The assessment considers information from various sources like family members and teachers​​. 5. Economic Costs: The total cost of ADHD in Australia in 2019 was estimated at $20.42 billion, with major financial burdens on employers, governments, and individuals. Productivity costs due to reduced workforce participation and productivity at work are significant, along with substantial health system costs and costs related to education, crime, and justice​​. 6. Government Support through Medicare: The Australian Government provides patient rebates for some costs associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD through Medicare. This includes bulk billed GP services and the Better Access initiative, which allows access to subsidized services for treatment​​. 7. Primary Health Networks' Role: These networks are funded to provide mental health and suicide prevention services, including support for people with ADHD​​. 8. Committee Recommendations: The report includes several recommendations to the Australian Government, such as funding and co-designing a National Framework for ADHD, reviewing Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, developing uniform prescribing rules, creating a dedicated ADHD information portal, implementing public health campaigns, and investing in research and support organizations. These recommendations aim to improve access to healthcare, reduce costs, enhance support services, and address stigma associated with ADHD​​.

People with ADHD often experience what's referred to as an "emotional tax" or "emotional cost." This concept encompasses the additional mental and emotional effort required to manage their symptoms and navigate daily life. Key aspects of this emotional tax include: 1. Constant Self-Regulation: Individuals with ADHD frequently need to exert more effort to focus, organize, plan, and restrain impulsive behaviors. This constant self-regulation can be mentally exhausting. 2. Emotional Dysregulation: Many individuals with ADHD experience challenges in regulating emotions. They may have more intense emotional reactions or difficulty calming down after an emotional response, leading to increased stress and anxiety. 3. Social Challenges: Interpersonal relationships can be more taxing for those with ADHD due to difficulties in maintaining attention, misreading social cues, or impulsivity in conversations. This can lead to strained relationships and a sense of isolation. 4. Overwhelm and Overstimulation: People with ADHD can feel easily overwhelmed or overstimulated by everyday situations, leading to a higher emotional load to manage. 5. Hyperfocus Trade-offs: While hyperfocus can be a strength, it can also lead to neglect of other tasks or responsibilities, creating additional stress and emotional burden when these neglected areas need to be addressed. 6. Compensatory Efforts: Many individuals with ADHD develop compensatory strategies to cope with their symptoms. While these strategies can be effective, they often require significant mental effort and planning. 7. Stigma and Misunderstanding: Dealing with societal misconceptions and stigma surrounding ADHD can add to the emotional burden. This might include having to constantly explain or justify their behavior to others. 8. Impact on Self-Esteem: Chronic struggles with various aspects of daily life can negatively impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure. This emotional tax is an important consideration in understanding the full impact of ADHD on individuals. It's not just the visible symptoms, but also the hidden mental and emotional effort that can be quite draining.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) are distinct mental health conditions, but they can sometimes occur together, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complex. ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. Common symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and struggles with organization. It's important to note that everyone might experience some of these behaviors, but in ADHD, they are more severe and occur more frequently. OCD, on the other hand, involves unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to relieve anxiety or prevent a feared event or situation. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions. When both ADHD and OCD are present, it can be challenging because the impulsivity of ADHD can conflict with the repetitive behaviors and rituals of OCD. For instance, a person with both conditions might have a compulsion for order (OCD) but struggle to maintain it due to impulsivity and disorganization (ADHD). It's crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional who can distinguish between the two and identify if both are present. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other therapeutic strategies tailored to address symptoms of both disorders. Remember, just like having a messy room doesn't necessarily mean you have ADHD, double-checking your husbands closet once in a while doesn't mean you have OCD. It's when these behaviors significantly impair your daily life that they become a concern. And speaking of ADHD, did you hear about the ADHD diet? You lose 5kgs and then... oh look, those sheet are dirty.. I really need to wash them now! It's important to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. And remember, it's like juggling – you've got to keep an eye on all the balls in the air, and it's okay to ask for help if you need it!

Anxiety and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) often co-occur, creating a complex interplay that can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Understanding the relationship between these two conditions is crucial for effective management. ADHD and Anxiety: Key Points 1. Prevalence of Co-occurrence: Anxiety disorders are among the most common comorbid conditions with ADHD. Studies suggest that about 25-40% of individuals with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. 2. Symptoms Overlap: Both ADHD and anxiety can involve restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity. This overlap can make it challenging to distinguish one from the other. For instance, a person with ADHD might feel anxious due to struggles with organizing tasks or social interactions, but this doesn't necessarily mean they have an anxiety disorder. 3. Cause and Effect: The stress of coping with ADHD can contribute to the development of anxiety. The daily challenges and potential negative feedback from failing to meet certain expectations (social, academic, or occupational) can be anxiety-inducing. Conversely, anxiety can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, making them more difficult to manage. 4. Impact on Life: Anxiety can compound the difficulties someone with ADHD faces, such as time management, organization, social interactions, and performance in school or work. It can also lead to avoidance behaviors, further affecting one's quality of life. 5. Diagnosis: It's important for healthcare providers to assess for both ADHD and anxiety disorders during diagnosis. A thorough evaluation is key to ensure that both conditions, if present, are appropriately treated. 6. Treatment Approach: Treatment may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral strategies. For those with both ADHD and anxiety, it’s important that treatments are coordinated and holistic. Medications must be carefully chosen and monitored, as some ADHD medications can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. 7. Self-Management Strategies: Apart from professional treatment, self-management strategies like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, regular physical activity, and structured routines can help manage symptoms of both ADHD and anxiety. In Conclusion Dealing with ADHD and anxiety together requires a nuanced approach. While they can complicate each other's management, understanding their interrelationship helps in creating a more effective treatment plan. It's essential for individuals with both ADHD and anxiety to receive integrated care that addresses both conditions simultaneously.

🌟 A Heartfelt Hello to Our Community Members! We're thrilled to have you join us, a nurturing and insightful space dedicated to everyone touched by ADHD. Whether you're beginning your ADHD journey, have years of experience, are supporting a loved one, or are simply here to learn, you're in the right place. 🔍 Unique Features of Our Forum: • Personal Stories: Share and listen to real-life experiences that resonate. Your journey is important to us. • Expert Guidance: Stay updated with professional advice, coping strategies, and the latest ADHD research. • A Safe Space: Our forum is a judgment-free zone for open expression and seeking peer advice. • Rich Resources: Discover an array of articles, tools, and external links for comprehensive ADHD knowledge. • Dynamic Discussions: Dive into lively topics ranging from daily life with ADHD to treatment approaches and personal growth. 🌈 How to Engage Effectively: 1. Profile Customization: Set up your profile to reflect your unique personality. 2. Introduce Yourself: Our 'Welcome' thread is a great place to start connecting. 3. Forum Exploration: Participate in existing discussions or start your own threads on topics close to your heart. 4. Mindful Interaction: Embrace kindness and respect in all interactions. We value the strength of our community. 5. Share Your Voice: Your feedback shapes our forum. Feel free to suggest new features or content. 🔧 Custom Settings for an Enhanced Experience: • Notification Preferences: Tailor how and when you receive updates from the forum to suit your lifestyle. • Accessibility Options: Customize text size, contrast, and other settings for optimal forum navigation. • Private Messaging: Adjust settings for who can contact you directly, ensuring your comfort and privacy. • Content Filters: Select topics or threads you prefer to see or hide, personalizing your forum feed. • Help and Support: Access our 'Help' section for guidance on using the forum's features, or reach out to our moderators for assistance. Together, we're building a vibrant and supportive ADHD community. Let's embark on this journey with positivity and understanding! Welcome aboard, and let's make a difference together! 🚀

Hello, I'm Troy. Throughout life, we often grapple with profound questions. While some have a clear vision, others find it challenging to grasp. Around my 48th birthday, a pivotal moment came: my son was diagnosed with ADHD. It was then that our son's doctor posed a thought-provoking question to my wife and me, "Did you know ADHD often runs in families, much like height?" This question led to a profound realization. The doctor explained that ADHD's hereditary aspect is significant, akin to height, with an estimated 80% inheritability. Moreover, it was highlighted that for some, ADHD persists into adulthood. This conversation was a turning point, making me reflect deeply on my life. Six months later, I was diagnosed with ADHD too. This website was born a few months into my personal exploration of ADHD. This journey not only brought me closer to understanding myself but also made me realize how common my experience might be. There are likely many adults in similar circumstances, some aware and managing their condition, others possibly oblivious to its effects on their lives and those around them. I frequently pondered over certain behaviors: • Why the impulse purchases - cars, boats, motorbikes, caravans? • Why did I often misplace my phone, wallet, keys, forget names, and conversations? • Why was staying still a challenge, whether it was relaxing by a pool, enjoying a book, or standing still during a phone call? • Why did I battle with self-doubt, lack of focus, and constant distractions? In hindsight, these were all manifestations of ADHD, though I was unaware at the time. If this story strikes a chord with you or someone you know, you're in the right place :)

We want everyone to get the most out of this community, so we ask that you please read and follow these guidelines: • Respect each other • Keep posts relevant to the forum topic • No spamming