Bay of Plenty Times reporter Catherine Sylvester speaks about her experience living with ADHD. Bay of Plenty Times Photo / Alex Cairns.
My story of getting a diagnosis at 40 and its positive impact
In a story by Catherine Sylvester, Mātai neuropsychiatrist Dr Gil Newburn helps explain the impact of ADHD on women.
ADHD is a disturbance in the brain networks that allows us to hold more than one item in consciousness at a time. Women are good at masking symptoms and internalising hyperactivity, which can result in restlessness and disorganisation, making everyday tasks difficult. In women, symptoms can also be impacted by fluctuating hormone levels throughout life.
There is no cure for ADHD, but awareness, the right medication, and even twenty minutes of gentle aerobic activity a day can help alleviate symptoms.
Subscribers of the Bay of Plenty Times can read the full story, where Catherine shares her experience of living with ADHD and what it’s like post-diagnosis and treatment.