What is ADHD?

If you’re wondering, “What is ADHD?” then you’ve come to the right place. Listed below are some common symptoms and signs of ADHD, as well as some causes and possible treatment options. You may also want to learn more about the various types of ADHD. And when you’re done reading, you’ll know what to expect when you visit a doctor. Listed below are some ways to tell if your child is at risk for ADHD.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

There are several signs and symptoms of ADHD. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for the disorder. Healthy eating, plenty of sleep, and exercise are key to improving symptoms. Your child’s parents can help by offering encouragement and support. It is also helpful to get a doctor’s opinion. It is important to keep your child’s healthcare provider informed about any changes in your child’s behavior.

Symptoms of ADHD often go undetected in childhood. When ADHD was relatively uncommon, people were often labeled as a dreamer, a slacker, or troublemaker. While they may have compensated for their symptoms as a child, they are often unable to handle their responsibilities as adults. For example, they may miss important appointments or forget important medications. This can cause problems in their careers and personal lives.

When you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your health care provider. Primary care providers regularly diagnose this condition. They may also refer you to a mental health care professional. In addition to seeking a qualified doctor, you may also want to sign up for a free health newsletter to stay informed about new treatments and developments in the field of ADHD. It is important to know that ADHD runs in families. Certain environmental factors, such as lead exposure in childhood, may increase your risk for developing ADHD. Other factors, such as problems with your central nervous system, may also contribute to the development of ADHD.

Types of ADHD

There are three primary types of ADHD, which are also called subtypes. These subtypes vary in their symptoms, and treatment is based on the characteristics of each subtype. For example, people with the Hyperactive subtype often experience restlessness and lack of focus. Those with the inattentive subtype experience poor working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. The Combined Type of ADHD includes both the inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. To receive a diagnosis, a person must show at least five of these symptoms to be eligible for ADHD treatment.

The inattentive type of ADHD tends to be impulsive, and has problems controlling attention. This type of ADHD has trouble sitting still and doing physical activities. It’s also prone to excessive chattering. Although the inattentive type of ADHD may exhibit the most hyperactive symptoms, it is rare to notice a difference between the two. It’s difficult to know if a child with this type of ADHD is likely to exhibit all of these symptoms at the same time.

Inattentive ADHD is another form of ADHD. It’s less common in children, but can lead to academic frustration. Inattentive ADHD symptoms may lead to undue shame or guilt, and the condition can be misdiagnosed. Inattentive ADHD is often mistaken for apathy, and it can also occur alongside other mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. People with this type of ADHD often lose focus and have difficulty listening to instructions.

Causes of ADHD

What are the causes of ADHD? ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, an unreliable family, or an environment with too much screen time. While these environmental factors may influence the severity of symptoms and level of impairment, they do not cause the disorder itself. Instead, these factors can impact the severity of symptoms and increase their likelihood of recurrence. However, there are some environmental factors that may increase the risk of ADHD and make symptoms more severe.

The brain and behavior of a person with ADHD show impairments from birth. Because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, no one can determine a cause for the disorder. While it is possible that ADHD is a hereditary condition, no one has conclusively proven it. However, research suggests that this condition is likely to be inherited. This is important for families since ADHD can impact their children’s life and the way they function.

While ADHD can be cured by medication, many other conditions may be present alongside it. About two-thirds of children with ADHD also have a co-existing disorder. These co-occurring disorders can be anything from depression to tic disorders. Some people with ADHD may also have other mood disorders, conduct disorders, or a sleep disorder. The result of co-occurring conditions may be more complex behavioral and academic problems. In some cases, both co-occurring conditions can last throughout a person’s life.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

During a physical examination, a provider may conduct various tests and perform a comprehensive checkup to determine whether a child has ADHD. The child’s vision and hearing are typically tested, and he or she may also be given a test for brain injury or sleep disorders. A blood panel may be ordered if the provider suspects thyroid dysfunction. Although a comprehensive evaluation is the most accurate means of determining whether a child has ADHD, the evaluation may take a week or more.

Children with ADHD have specific behavior patterns that are typically associated with the disorder. Their symptoms include persistent inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This combination of symptoms makes them more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children with other disorders. In addition to failure to focus, these children fail to complete schoolwork and chores. In general, symptoms of ADHD are most common in children younger than 12 years old. If a child has these symptoms, he or she will be diagnosed with ADHD.

Parents of children with ADHD may also be eligible for educational services in public schools. Parents and healthcare providers will discuss their child’s educational goals and discuss possible accommodations. Often, schools will place the child at the front of the class or provide additional classroom staff. A doctor will discuss realistic goals and measurable goals for the child. During this meeting, the doctor will explain the specific problems and limitations that the child may have with their ADHD.

Treatsments for ADHD

If your child or adolescent is acting unpredictably, you may need to seek help from a doctor. Although the symptoms of ADHD can be embarrassing for the sufferer, they can affect his or her performance in school, work, and relationships. Listed below are some effective treatments for ADHD. Find out more about these options. A primary care provider can refer you to an ADHD specialist, who can recommend a course of treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps children with ADHD develop specific skills to manage behavior and change negative thought patterns. It can also help those with other mental health conditions and substance abuse cope with life’s challenges. Among its other benefits, this therapy can improve a patient’s communication skills and problem-solving skills. The research behind cognitive behavioral therapy is impressive, but it’s not without limitations. You can read more about the CDC’s work on ADHD here.

Behavior therapy is a popular behavioral treatment for ADHD. It aims to teach kids new ways of behaving by rewarding desired behaviors and eliminating undesired ones. Behavioral therapy is recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA) for children under five years of age, but it can be effective in treating ADHD in older kids as well. It may also be helpful in preventing the symptoms of ADHD and dealing with coexisting conditions.

ADHD in Adults

Adults who think they may have ADHD should see a physician who is trained in diagnosing the disorder. The physician should be aware of any past symptoms, and should also evaluate the current functioning of the patient. A screening test will assess short-term memory, attention, and distractibility. Other factors, such as substance abuse or psychiatric disorders, should be considered, as well. Symptoms of ADHD should be present since early childhood.

The symptoms of ADHD in adults may be harder to recognize than they were as children. If the symptoms are largely underrecognized, they may be blamed for other issues. The person may have been labelled as a troublemaker, a dreamer, or an inattentive person. Although these traits were normal during childhood, they may be problematic in adulthood and struggle with responsibilities. In addition to being unable to focus, adults with ADHD may have trouble with work and personal relationships.

Stimulants are the primary medications prescribed for ADHD in adults. They work by increasing the availability of brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. These medications are relatively safe and unlikely to be addictive. They are available under many brand names, including Ritalin and Adderall(r) or methylphenidate under the brand name Vyvanse. But they are not suitable for everyone. People with co-existing psychiatric disorders may benefit from alternatives to stimulants.

ADHD Medication

There are several different types of ADHD medication. The most common is methylphenidate, which belongs to the class of medicines known as stimulants. They work by increasing brain activity in the areas that regulate behaviour and attention. Methylphenidate can be taken by adults, adolescents, and children over the age of five. It comes in a variety of forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules.

While ADHD medication is the most popular option for adults, it may not always be the best choice. Medication may not teach children how to be socially or academically, and it can cause negative side effects. However, it can work well in conjunction with behavioral interventions and collaboration with caregivers and schools. Some children have been successfully treated using ADHD medications. In addition, the FDA is looking to conduct clinical trials in children as young as four and five years old to determine which medication is most effective.

Stimulant medications are a common treatment for ADHD. These drugs increase the production of a neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine, which is responsible for concentration and focus. They also help balance brain chemicals and improve attention. Nonstimulant medications, on the other hand, include antidepressants. Antidepressants are a good alternative for those who cannot take stimulants or are sensitive to the side effects of stimulants.

Controversy sells, and the media knows it. A lot of the information we hear, see and read about ADHD and ADHD treatment is either misleading or meant to scare us.

Netflix’s “Take Your Pills”, a new documentary (interview with producers) is no exception. This is why I am upset: The film, despite raising many legitimate concerns, contributes to confusion, stigma, and fear surrounding stimulant medication. Many of the experts featured either have no background in research, benefit directly from spreading fear and misinformation about ADHD treatment or are not qualified to speak on these subjects.

This is a problem because, as this study shows
“Inaccurate media reports surrounding ADHD [have], a major influence on parental decision-making” regarding treatment.

Stimulant medication research is incredibly well-researched. You and your doctor will be able to decide which one is best for you.

This is Dr. Hallowell’s complete response to “Take Your Pills”
Dr. Hallowell is a psychiatrist and leading ADHD expert who’s written over 20 books on ADHD, including “Driven to Distraction” and “Delivered From Distraction” and is finishing up his memoir, which you can pre-order here: /

Documentaries are not peer-reviewed. Not all research studies are the same.

This guide will help you understand research studies:
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These reliable resources provide information on ADHD and ADHD treatment:
ADHD facts: /
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What we know so far about the long-term effects ADHD medication
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Why dosage is important
Types of ADHD medication:
How stimulants can help ADHD (Sci Show includes research):
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“Getting Ahead of ADHD” by Dr. Joel T. Nigg (fantastic book on treating childhood ADHD, includes non-medication options & talks about meds starting p224): =
The difference in the effects of methamphetamines and amphetamines is f
What causes addiction? />
And here is a systematic review that includes 69 recent (2011-2016) studies related to ADHD treatment: /

Citations:

Kemper, A. R., Maslow, G. R., Hill, S., Namdari, B., Allen LaPointe, N. M., Goode, A. P., … Sanders, G. D. (2018). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder: Treatment and Diagnosis in Children and Adolescents. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US) Rockville (MD). Retrieved from /

Clavenna, A., & Bonati, M. (2017). Pediatric pharmacoepidemiology: safety and effectiveness for ADHD medicines. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 16(12), 1335-1345. 4

Merkel, R. L., & Kuchibhatla, A. (2009). Part I: Safety of stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 8(6), 655-668. 6

Merkel, R. L. (2010). Part II: Safety of stimulant treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 9(6), 917-935. 8

Swanson, J. M., Arnold, L. E., Molina, B. S., Sibley, M. H., Hechtman, L. T., Hinshaw, S. P., Abikoff, H. B., Stehli, A. , Owens, E. B., Mitchell, J. T., Nichols, Q. , Howard, A. , Greenhill, L. L., Hoza, B. , Newcorn, J. H., Jensen, P. S., Vitiello, B. , Wigal, T. , Epstein, J. N., Tamm, L. , Lakes, K. D., Waxmonsky, J. , Lerner, M. , Etcovitch, J. , Murray, D. W., Muenke, M. , Acosta, M. T., Arcos-Burgos, M. , Pelham, W. E., Kraemer, H. C., , , Severe, J. B., Richters, J. , Vereen, D. , Elliott, G. R., Wells, K. C., Conners, C. K., March, J. , Cantwell, D. P., Gibbons, R. D., Marcus, S. , Hur, K. , Hanley, T. and Stern, K. (2017), Young adult outcomes in the follow-up of the multimodal treatment study of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: symptom persistence, source discrepancy, and height suppression. J Child Psychol Psychiatr, 58: 663-678. doi: 10.1111/jcpp. 12684

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