ADHD Mental Illness: A Practical Guide for Australians

Is ADHD a mental health disorder or a neurodevelopmental disorder?

Australian health sources describe ADHD in a few overlapping ways, and each says something slightly different.

Sources: healthdirect, Raising Children Network and the Australian ADHD Guideline.

Is ADHD considered a mental illness or neurological disorder?

You may hear different words depending on who you ask, so it helps to know what each one describes.

• Some people use mental health language, for example when ADHD care is provided through mental health services.
• Others prefer neurodevelopmental or neurodivergent, the words healthdirect and Raising Children Network use to describe how the brain develops and processes information.
• For what the guideline says about genes and other contributing factors, see the causes section below.
• When you ask for support, describe what daily life is like as well as the term you use.

When filling in forms, ask your clinician which words to use, and keep a copy of their letter.

Is ADHD a mental health issue or a psychiatric illness?

Whatever word you use for ADHD, other mental health concerns such as low mood or anxiety deserve care too.

• Say “mental health issue” only if it fits how you or your child experience things; some families prefer “condition” or “neurodivergence”.
• If someone has low mood, anxiety or other struggles as well as ADHD, tell the GP so each can be looked at properly.
• Psychiatrists and psychologists may be part of an ADHD assessment; ask them how they describe ADHD in your report.
• Our guide to whether ADHD is neurodivergent explains the neurodiversity view in more detail.

Is ADHD a disease or disorder, and why does it happen?

The Australian ADHD Guideline describes ADHD as a multifactorial disorder, and the points below cover both genetic and environmental factors.

• The Australian ADHD Guideline states ADHD is highly heritable in children and adults, with heritability estimated at 70–80%.
• It also states a genome-wide association meta-analysis identified 12 independent genomic loci that increase susceptibility to ADHD.
• healthdirect states genetic studies show ADHD is an inherited disorder, and that environmental factors such as maternal smoking or drinking during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, lead exposure and early childhood trauma may contribute.
• Read more in what causes ADHD.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Is ADHD a chronic illness, and what about autoimmune disease?

Your doctor is the right person to answer these questions for your own health.

• Ask your GP or specialist what ADHD means for long-term care, reviews and any medicine.
• If you have ADHD and an autoimmune disease, tell each treating doctor about the other condition and ask them about any link.
• Keep a single list of diagnoses, medicines and specialists, and bring it to appointments.
• Ask before you stop or change any treatment; never do it on your own.

ADHD mental illness and daily life at school, work and home

Whatever label you use, these steps can help you match supports to the situation.

1. 1Share your clinician’s letter. Give it to the school or employer so adjustments such as extra time, quiet space or written instructions can be considered.
2. 2Build routines at home. Try visual timetables, reminders and a regular sleep schedule.
3. 3Explore strengths as well as challenges. See ADHD strengths and weaknesses.
4. 4Ask what treatment aims to do. Read whether ADHD can be cured and talk to your clinician.
5. 5Learn the history of the name. See what ADHD stands for; healthdirect notes it used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD).

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• You or your child struggle with attention, impulsivity or restlessness in more than one setting, and it is affecting daily life.
• You want a proper assessment rather than relying on an online quiz or checklist.
• You are feeling overwhelmed, low or anxious, or a carer is exhausted.
• You want to talk about supports, adjustments or how a diagnosis might help in the NDIS.
• You need advice any time of day: healthdirect’s helpline on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) is staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call 000 in an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger. If you are in distress or crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If you or someone you care for has ADHD and needs practical help at home or in the community, we can talk through the options. TQN Care’s NDIS services include personal care, community access, respite and help around the home, delivered by support workers who respect each person’s goals. For health questions, speak to your GP or specialist.