What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a brain disorder that causes attention and self-control problems. It affects many people and can have negative consequences in school, at work and in their personal lives.

Treatment can help a person manage symptoms and live a more productive life. It may involve medication, behavioral therapy or social skills training.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a complex condition that may cause a variety of problems, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency and accidental injuries. Early identification and treatment can help people with ADHD thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Adults who struggle with ADHD are often surprised to find out that they have the condition. Getting an accurate diagnosis can be a life-changing experience, providing relief and new hope.

Having an accurate diagnosis can also give you the tools you need to cope with the condition as it develops in adulthood. You can work to understand the signs and symptoms, take steps to improve them, and recognize some of your strengths that can help you when the going gets tough.

Children with ADHD are usually hyperactive and impulsive, but they can also be inattentive. They are hard to keep still and often act up in classrooms or group activities.

Regardless of which type of ADHD you have, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Without it, the symptoms can persist and get worse. It is also critical to address other mental health issues that can occur with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is a chronic brain disorder that affects the way an individual focuses, pays attention and behaves. It mainly affects children and teenagers, but it can also develop in adults.

There are three main types of ADHD, or subtypes. They’re called “presentations” in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and are based on the behavioral symptoms that most often appear.

The first type is hyperactive ADHD. It’s the most recognizable, and it’s more common in children.

People with this type of ADHD may fidget a lot, interrupt others in conversation and have trouble sitting still. They may also act out by running around or bouncing off the walls.

Some of these behaviors can be helpful in some situations, but they can make learning and social interaction difficult. They can also disrupt a person’s life and interfere with work and relationships.

This type of ADHD can be treated with a combination of medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall, and behavioral therapies. However, these medications can make many people with this type of ADHD worse, as they can cause negative side effects like hallucinations, agitation and mood changes.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a common condition that affects children, teens and adults. It’s a brain disorder characterized by problems paying attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can cause physical and mental health problems as well as work and financial difficulties.

In some cases, ADHD is a result of genetics. But there are many environmental factors that can also cause the disorder.

It is also possible that ADHD develops due to the way the brain matures. It’s normal for the brain to develop at different rates in different people, and ADHD may be caused by this.

Nevertheless, there is no single cause that can be identified. Instead, it is a combination of genes, environmental factors and their interplay that causes the symptoms.

When it comes to treatment for ADHD, the main approach is with medicines. There are several different types of medicines, including stimulants and non-stimulants.

Other treatments can be behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Behavioral therapy helps people manage their ADHD by changing how they think and behave. It can be done with a therapist individually or in a group setting.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor or other specialist must meet three requirements: your symptoms must have been present in two or more settings — for example, at home and at school, or with friends and relatives — for at least six months, they must have been apparent before age 12 and they must not be explained by other medical conditions.

The doctor or other specialist will use the diagnostic criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’sDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine whether your symptoms are caused by ADHD. They may also look for signs of other conditions that can cause the same symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and a mood disorder.

Your doctor or other specialist will ask you about your symptoms and about any medical conditions that may be causing them, such as a thyroid problem or diabetes. They will also review your medical history and do a physical exam to be sure that there are no other health problems that could be causing your symptoms.

In addition to reviewing your medical and psychiatric records, the doctor or specialist will ask you about your personal, family and work life. They may want to see your school records and talk to your parents or teachers about your childhood.

Treatsments for ADHD

Medications are the most common form of treatment for ADHD. They work by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications can help improve symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity — sometimes in just a few days or weeks.

Currently, the most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants. They’re available in short-acting and long-acting forms, and are often taken once or twice a day.

These medicines are often used in combination with behavioral therapy and other types of behavior training to increase a person’s self-control. Combined treatments can also be more effective than one type of treatment alone.

Stimulant medications belong to drug classes, including methylphenidates (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). These drugs boost and balance the brain’s neurotransmitters, and can improve signs and symptoms of inattentiveness or hyperactivity.

The most common side effects of stimulant medicine include jitteriness, irritability, moodiness, headaches, stomachaches and high blood pressure. Symptoms usually go away on their own after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.

Non-stimulant medicines are also available, but they take longer to start working than stimulants. They’re less effective and have more side effects, but they’re a good choice for people with other health conditions or for those who don’t want to take stimulants.

ADHD in Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not just a childhood condition. Symptoms can persist throughout adulthood and cause challenges in your relationships, career, and personal life.

Often, you feel like your inattentiveness and impulsive behavior are just who you are–personality traits that never go away. But, if you find yourself always running late, constantly forgetting to do things or feeling overwhelmed by work and home tasks, ADHD may be behind it all.

If you think you might have ADHD, you can discuss your symptoms with a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals can help you develop a treatment plan that can include medication, behavioral therapy and other types of therapies.

The diagnosis of ADHD is made after an examination of your life history, a psychiatric assessment and evaluation of your symptoms. This may include a clinical interview with you, observational evidence from family members or friends, academic reports, and information from your environment and upbringing.

ADHD can be difficult to live with, and it’s common for people with the disorder to experience anxiety and depression. Adding psychotherapy to your ADHD treatment can be a great way to manage these co-existing mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach you skills to better control your impulses, improve your focus and decrease your hyperactivity.

ADHD Medication

Taking medication for ADHD can help people with the disorder focus and be less distracted by their symptoms. Medication can be used alone or with behavioral therapies and school interventions.

The two most common medications for treating ADHD are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR, Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall XR, Vyvanse). These drugs increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Another ADHD medication is atomoxetine (Strattera), which works on the brain’s norepinephrine reuptake system to calm hyperactivity. This nonstimulant drug is a newer option for some patients, though it does have some side effects.

Some of the most common ADHD medication side effects are trouble sleeping and decreased appetite. Symptoms like these can make it difficult to take your medication as prescribed, so be sure to track them carefully and tell your doctor right away.

Your child’s doctor will need to adjust the dosage of the medicine over time to get the best results. Some children respond to one type of medicine but not another, so it may take time to find the best combination for your child.

Some medications, such as stimulants, can cause side effects, especially when they are taken too close together or at too high of a dose. If your child experiences these problems, ask your doctor about dividing the medication into smaller doses or switching to a nonstimulant medication.

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Aron Croft, Aaron Croft, Hidden ADD, Hidden ADHD, Atypical Coach, neurodivergent, neurodiversity

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Co-host Lynne Edris takes a look at the lighter side of life with ADHD, sharing stories from her experience and that of her clients that start with "You know you have ADHD when…". Episode Takeaway: Life with ADHD can be hard, but it’s a little easier to keep moving forward with a sense of humor and connections with those who get it! Join us in the ADHD Support Talk Facebook community to connect and share your look at life with adult ADHD.