What is ADHD?

If you are wondering what is ADHD, you are not alone. There are millions of children and adults who have this disorder. This disorder has many symptoms. It causes people to be distracted, impulsive, and to have a hard time paying attention to things. Fortunately, there are treatments for ADHD.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

When it comes to ADHD, there are a number of signs and symptoms that are commonly seen. These include a tendency to lose focus, make careless mistakes in schoolwork, and have trouble keeping things organized.

However, some people with the condition may also have other mental health conditions. The most common comorbid conditions are anxiety and depression. They also have a high likelihood of suffering from low self-esteem.

There are many different signs and symptoms of ADHD that can occur, depending on who you are and what your age is. Although it is possible to be diagnosed at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in children. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ADHD so you can get the help you need.

One of the most obvious signs of ADHD is hyperactivity. People with this disorder often find it difficult to sit still. If you notice your child constantly running around or jumping up and down, you might want to consider a medical diagnosis.

In addition to excessive motor activity, there are other hyperkinetic symptoms. These can include blurting out answers, difficulty waiting for a turn, and being unable to remain seated. Some people may also exhibit excessive motion in other areas, such as the mouth, hands, and eyes.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is a mental health condition that affects attention and impulsive behavior. It can develop in childhood or later in life.

A child with ADHD may have trouble paying attention to school work or home tasks. They may also have problems with relationships.

ADHD is diagnosed when a person exhibits five or more signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. If the person exhibits only one or two signs, the diagnosis may be considered atypical.

Children who have ADHD may be able to work around their symptoms with behavior therapy and medications. Medications can improve physical coordination and help improve focus.

Hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD is characterized by constant movement, fidgeting, and restlessness. It is more common in boys. The disorder is characterized by disruptive behaviors in the classroom.

There are many different types of ADHD. These include ADHD-C, inattentive, and hyperactive-impulsive. All of them require a medical diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed form of ADHD in children. This is because it is easier to identify in young children.

Inattentive type ADHD is characterized by problems with paying attention. This can cause people to be absent-minded or make careless mistakes.

People with ADHD can become easily distracted by their surroundings. For example, they may forget an errand or schedule.

Causes of ADHD

There are several factors that may contribute to ADHD, but heredity is the most common cause. It is estimated that fifty percent of all children with ADHD have one or more parents with the disorder. However, research has not been able to identify a single factor that causes the disorder.

In addition, there are many non-inherited factors that may affect the development of ADHD. These include environmental risks, such as exposure to lead or pesticides. Some chemicals that have been shown to affect neurodevelopment have also been linked to ADHD.

Symptoms of the disorder usually start in childhood. They can affect all areas of a person’s life, from school to relationships. People with the disorder may display signs of impulsiveness and hyperactivity, as well as substance abuse and tic disorders.

Research has found that the hippocampus and cerebellar vermis, which are part of the limbic system, are affected in patients with ADHD. Information processing is impaired in these brain regions, which can result in impaired perception and the ability to concentrate.

Another part of the limbic system is the nucleus accumbens, which is responsible for the processing of dopamine and emotion. This region is also known as the reward circuit of the brain.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

The symptoms of ADHD can be hard to pinpoint, but with the help of a qualified health care professional, you can get the diagnosis you need. Many people find that getting an official diagnosis gives them more hope for the future.

An initial assessment of a child with ADHD involves an examination of his or her behavior. This may include observations, questionnaires, and standardized behavioral rating scales. Your doctor will also ask about your child’s social and emotional history.

A full psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms. The doctor will look for any signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. In addition, he or she will examine your child’s medical history.

ADHD can coexist with other conditions, such as conduct disorder, learning disabilities, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are several factors that can affect a person’s chances of developing ADHD, including stress, premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to environmental toxins.

The severity of your child’s condition can influence the type of treatment you receive. Treatment options may range from medication to positive parenting strategies.

When you go for an assessment, bring along any records or written information you can provide. If your doctor sends you a questionnaire, be sure to complete it, and return it to your physician.

Treatsments for ADHD

There are many treatments for ADHD. Most of them have to do with medications. The medicines work by increasing the activity of parts of the brain that control behavior. This can help people with ADHD stay on task and get things done. Methylphenidate is one of the most common ADHD medicines.

Other therapies include behaviour therapy. This helps carers of children with ADHD learn how to manage their child’s symptoms. It may involve teachers.

Another type of treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy. During this type of treatment, a therapist teaches patients to challenge the accuracy of their thoughts and feelings. This helps change negative thought patterns, which can interfere with the ability to get things done.

Neurofeedback is another method of ADHD treatment. In this therapy, patients wear an electrode-lined cap while they perform a complex cognitive task. The therapist watches the patient’s brain waves to determine which areas of the brain are causing the patient to have problems.

Various non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD have been shown to be effective. These include yoga, meditation and regular relaxation techniques. Also, a healthy diet, exercise and proper sleep habits are important.

For children, the best treatment is early intervention. Studies have shown that when children are diagnosed at an early age, they experience less frustration and less damage to their self-esteem.

ADHD in Adults

If you suspect you may have ADHD, a visit to a specialist can help you to identify the cause of your symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD can occur in a number of settings and can interfere with your life.

During a psychiatric evaluation, the health care provider will discuss your past medical history, family and behavioral history, school and work history, and the effects of ADHD in your daily life. They will also look for other mental or physical conditions that could explain your symptoms.

Adult ADHD is a disability that’s protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means institutions receiving federal funding cannot discriminate against people with disabilities.

Treatment for adults with ADHD can include medication, psychological therapy, and behavior modification. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms of ADHD so you can function at your best.

Some types of medications used to treat ADHD include antidepressants, stimulants, and nonstimulants. Antidepressants can be useful in treating ADHD by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. Stimulants and nonstimulants are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Your doctor or specialist will ask you to describe your symptoms. These may include difficulty waiting for things to happen, difficulties following instructions, problems paying attention, problems with memory, difficulty focusing, trouble remembering things, or impulsivity.

ADHD Medication

ADHD is a disorder characterized by a range of symptoms including hyperactivity and impulsivity. Medication and psychosocial treatment are used to help manage these symptoms.

The most common medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is taken as a capsule or tablet. However, it is also available in short-acting forms, such as Dexedrine Spansules, which last for six to eight hours.

Other medications may be used to treat ADHD, and include atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, and bupropion. Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Taking it may cause nausea, upset stomach, and reduced appetite.

Lisdexamfetamine and clonidine are a2-adrenergic receptor agonists. Clonidine is used to help control impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sleep problems.

Stimulants are a group of medicines that act on areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling behavior. They increase brain activity and the flow of messages between the different brain cells.

Often, ADHD is accompanied by other disorders, and treating these disorders first will determine whether the symptoms of ADHD are improved. Adult patients with ADHD have higher rates of substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.

During treatment, the patient should be monitored closely for side effects. For adults, stimulants can have a negative effect on mood and may contribute to suicidal thoughts. Some patients may need to switch to other treatments.

Read this for more information about ADHD medications like Strattera and Adderall: /

ADHD medications generally belong to one of two broad classes: stimulant or nonstimulant.

Stimulants include brand names like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Concerta. Non-stimulants include Strattera and Intuniv, among others. So what are the important differences?

Find out, in this video.

Related Resources
1. Strattera: ADHD Medication FAQ /
2. Free Download: What You Need to Know About ADHD Medications
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3. Read Next: Chart Comparing Popular Medications Used to Treat ADHD /

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The way ADHD brains develop can put us out of step with our childhood peers, leaving us feeling awkward, left out and with social anxiety that can follow us into adulthood. Here, I talk about my own experiences with that, and offer simple solutions.

**note -- I want to add that one of the Brains pointed out that peers and the internet aren't always the best source of information, which is true. Cultures vary, biases like racism and sexism exist, and also, well-meaning advice that might work for one person won't necessarily be appropriate for another.

My hope is that we can sift through all the information available to us and check in with ourselves as to whether or not it feels right.

In any case, personally, if I'd known what to expect on a sleepover, how to be a good "host," or what appropriate etiquette is for a first date, I think I would have felt a lot more prepared to deal with the social situations I found myself in.

****LINKS!****
Podcast mentioned in the video —great info about playdates and more!
Help Your Child with ADHD Make Friends
Helping girls with ADHD make friends
Friendship challenges for adults
ADHD brains mature a few years late

And this is just for fun — one of the brains pointed out that reddit has an “outside” forum that treats the outside world like it’s actually a game. It’s AMAZING: Q

Help me make more videos! d

"The Show Must Be Go," "Professor Umlaut"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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“Game Over” sound effect by spazzo_1493, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license.

“Game coin” by Adam Weeden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license.