KUALA LUMPUR – Accurate social media messaging should play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in order to dismantle societal taboos and stigmas surrounding individuals with the condition.
In conjunction with ADHD Awareness Month, which takes place in October of every year, Scoop interviewed a few experts to gain a deeper insight into this mental disorder.
According to experts in the country, the actual prevalence rate of ADHD is higher than the recorded 3.9% of total population, due to the high possibility of unrecorded cases.
ADHD is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder with three categories, namely ADHD with predominant inattention; ADHD with predominantly hyperactivity or impulsivity; and the combination of both.
Individuals with ADHD may struggle to sustain attention, organise tasks, and regulate their thoughts and emotions.
KPJ Ampang Puteri clinical psychologist Ummu Nazra Nadzam said increased social media awareness will aid the public in identifying the significant symptoms of ADHD, thus assisting people with ADHD to live their lives easier.
“Usually people with ADHD do not want to behave like that because they struggle with their executive function in organising their tasks and remaining focused.
“I recommend the public be understanding of their symptoms because they are anxious about their symptoms. It may be hard for us to handle them, but it is harder for them,” she said.
Despite her recommendation for the use of social media, Ummu advised the public to not self-diagnose themselves after watching short videos about mental health on social media.
“Social media nowadays have videos where if you have these symptoms, it’s confirmed that you have ADHD, which will lead to self-diagnosis.
“Those videos are actually just to facilitate the public to identify the symptoms, and if she or he has those symptoms, they will seek professional help from psychologists or psychiatrists to understand it better and be diagnosed,” she added.
The Mind Psychological Services and Training’s clinical psychologist Joel Low opined that misinformation being circulated across social media ends up confusing the public in identifying ADHD’s symptoms.
“There’s so much miscommunication, wrong information, and pop psychology going around that it’s so hard for people to properly distinguish or know what ADHD actually is.
“Don’t limit (the public) to just talking about things, I think showing them snippets/vignettes of how the symptoms manifest themselves would be really important as well,” he suggested.
Mental health initiative organisation, Mindakami managing director and therapist Mimie Rahman lauded ADHD Awareness Month’s objective of raising awareness and helping the public understand the challenges of those living with the condition.
“Its goals are to reduce stigma, promote early diagnosis, and encourage access to appropriate treatment and support.
“I wholeheartedly encourage individuals who have been clinically diagnosed with ADHD to share their personal stories, helping us foster an inclusive and understanding society for those with ADHD,” she said.
Mimie, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, advised those who happen to have family members or friends with ADHD to support them by educating themselves, communicating openly, being patient, and encouraging people who want to seek a diagnosis.
Mindakami’s clinical psychologist Muhammad Ilyas Azmi said parents and therapists must collaborate to provide behaviour intervention to toddlers and children to learn and develop skills through awareness via social media.
Describing those with ADHD as his clients, Ilyas explained that every client he works with is unique, with each session tailored to their pace and needs.
“I use examples and visual aids to help clients understand their experiences.
“I also explore strategies to manage and regulate their emotions since clients with ADHD may sometimes struggle with anxiety and depression as well,” he said. – October 28, 2023