Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related conditions in the Work Place 

Did you know that ADHD has both implications to the Disability Discrimination Act and Health and Safety legislation?     

Do you have staff who have great difficulty in their employment with any of the following: 

Time management (regularly late for work/meeting/meeting deadlines etc) absenteeism, inconsistency of productivity, poor working memory and organisational abilities, work relationships and/or impulsive behaviour, intolerance/impatience, persistently daydream, alcohol or substance, gambling problems, over competitive, depression, anxiety, low self esteem? 

These can be a sign of untreated ADHD or related conditions.  They are both difficult for the individual but can also have a significant effect on productivity and working relationships as well as personal happiness and fulfilment. 

Many such people have been employed for qualities such as their creative thinking, ability to think “outside the box”, dynamism, high energy levels, leadership qualities, being “high flyers”.  They can be charming and plausible.  These and their sometimes manipulative, controlling and apparently ruthless characteristics can be used to great advantage in their employment role.   

However, although they can be some of your most driven and potentially productive employees -  be it at a management or admin level -  they can also struggle with any or some of the above – and other – associated difficulties that are not commensurate with and can compromise their abilities or potential. 

It is important to emphasise that there has been much myth and misinformation about ADHD over the years, perpetuated by the media and the ignorant.  This has made it especially difficult for sufferers and those involved with them to access fact rather than fiction to become adequately informed.   

In reality, ADHD is an internationally recognised, highly genetic neurobiological condition that affects children, adolescents and adults.  It is characterised by significant problems with hyperactivity (can be shown as excessively high energy levels/restlessness or high mental energy) and/or impulsive behaviour (either verbal or physical) and/or inattentiveness (chronic lack of ability to concentrate on everyday tasks).  ADHD can be successfully treated.  However, untreated, it can cause immense stress and distress to the individual and have a huge impact on his family, workmates and friends.   

With a prevalence rate of ADHD in 4% of the general population, there is a good chance that your organisation has either diagnosed or undiagnosed adults working within it.  Many of them may need accommodations in the workplace to help them achieve to their potential. 

The Learning Assessment and Neurocare Centre is registered with and accredited by the Care Quality Commission.  We specialise in the assessment and on-going management of children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of neurodevelopmental/neurobiological conditions, including especially ADHD and related issues, emotional, learning and behavioural difficulties. GP referrals are received from all over the UK and from overseas.  We are regularly invited to lecture and provide in service training/seminars guidance and support to professionals and non professionals in health, education, social care and the workplace, throughout the UK and also overseas.   We have also authored books on ADHD for professionals and non professionals and these are included in a range of recommended books available for sale at our Centre. 

If you have concerns, as above, about an employee and who you feel could benefit from an assessment and appropriate support and/or would like to know more about the work undertaken at the Centre, please do not hesitate to contact Pauline Latham, Centre Manager, who would be pleased to help determine your requirements and the way in which we can assist you.