Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) remains one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions in society, with many children and adults silently struggling without proper support or diagnosis.
Speaking on The Afternoon Show with Anita Akua Akuffo on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Clinical Health Psychologist Ophelia Awinboma Azure and Founder of the Mental Health Forum, Jahara Osman, shed light on the realities of ADHD and the importance of early intervention.
According to the experts, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by symptoms such as hyperactivity, irritability, disorganisation, forgetfulness, and difficulty paying attention or completing tasks.
Ophelia Awinboma Azure explained that children living with ADHD are often misunderstood because of their behaviour.
“Some children become difficult to control, struggle to follow rules or instructions, constantly move around, or create disorder around them. In some homes, because of the lack of understanding, people even assume there is a spiritual problem,” she said.
She noted that in many Ghanaian communities, conditions that are not well understood are often demonised instead of being medically assessed.
“In Ghanaian society, when we lack understanding of something, we demonise it rather than researching the cause behind it,” she added.
The discussion also highlighted that ADHD does not only affect children but can continue into adulthood, especially when early intervention is not sought.
For adults, symptoms may appear differently. These may include chronic lateness, inability to complete tasks, poor time management, forgetfulness, disorganisation, and difficulty concentrating.
“An adult who constantly struggles with time, misses appointments, or finds it difficult to stay organised could be dealing with ADHD without even realising it,” the psychologist explained.
The experts warned that untreated ADHD can become more severe over time and begin to affect an individual’s overall personality and daily functioning.
“If you grow up with ADHD without intervention, it deepens and becomes more severe. Mental health conditions become harder to manage when support is delayed,” Ophelia stated.
The conversation also addressed the role parents play in helping children living with ADHD. According to the experts, denial and delayed acceptance of a diagnosis can negatively impact a child’s development and well-being.
“Mothers who struggle to accept the diagnosis sometimes delay seeking help, and that prolongs the child’s suffering. Acceptance and support are very important,” Jahara Osman emphasised.
Some common symptoms associated with ADHD include loss of attention, constant distraction, forgetfulness, daydreaming, and difficulty focusing on tasks.
On management and treatment, the speakers stressed the importance of professional assessment, therapy, family support, and continuous follow-up care.
They explained that educating families about ADHD creates a more supportive and calmer environment for affected individuals, helping them manage symptoms more effectively.
“People living with ADHD can sometimes frustrate family members because of their behaviour, but understanding the condition helps families respond with patience rather than anger,” they noted.
The experts encouraged parents and guardians to seek early intervention for children showing signs of ADHD, stressing that with the right support, many people with ADHD go on to thrive and become highly successful in life.
However, they warned that a lack of intervention can lead to long-term academic, social, emotional, and professional challenges.
The discussion formed part of efforts to create awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health conditions in Ghana.
By Abigail Inkoom
