What is ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder that causes trouble paying attention and being focused. The condition affects people of all ages.

Doctors believe that ADHD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. But it’s still unclear exactly how the disorder develops.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a mental health condition that can affect children and adults. It can cause problems in several areas of life, including school and work.

It also can affect relationships and lead to problems with self-esteem, social skills and other aspects of mental well-being. People with ADHD have a hard time paying attention and are often distracted by their surroundings.

Young children with ADHD often seem distracted, restless, impulsive or impatient. These behaviors are normal, but if they’re severe enough to interfere with daily activities and relationships, it’s possible that a child has ADHD.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that to diagnose ADHD, a doctor must find at least six symptoms in each of two main categories of behaviors (inattention and hyperactive/impulsive). If the primary care provider suspects that your child has ADHD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for a full evaluation.

Types of ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comes in three main subtypes, based on behavioral symptoms. These are: predominantly inattentive ADHD, predominantly impulsive/hyperactive ADHD, and combined type.

People with inattentive type ADHD have trouble paying attention, are easily distracted, and may be forgetful or misplace their belongings. They also may daydream and become introverted.

These symptoms can cause problems in all areas of life, including school, work, and social situations. They can also impact family and friends, leading to conflict.

Researchers have found that girls are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD than boys. This is likely due to gender bias, and it doesn’t mean that the condition impacts girls differently than boys.

Research has also shown that impulsive/hyperactive type ADHD is more common among males than females. It’s important to know which type of ADHD you have, so that your healthcare provider can create an effective treatment plan.

The three subtypes of ADHD each affect different areas of the brain. They include the prefrontal cortex, which regulates executive functions like attention span, judgment, organization and planning; the anterior cingulate, which helps the brain shift gears and detect errors; the temporal lobes, which control memory, learning, emotional reactions and mood stability; and the basal ganglia, large structures in the brain that produce dopamine.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a brain-based disorder that affects the frontal lobes, the caudate nucleus and the cerebellar vermis. It is often inherited and may also be related to brain damage. Some non-genetic factors have been linked to the development of ADHD, including low birth weight, premature birth, exposure to environmental toxins (such as alcohol, tobacco, lead) during pregnancy and stress.

Children with ADHD have an underdeveloped frontal lobe that impedes their cognitive abilities. This can result in poor attention, poor long-term memory, problems understanding cause-and-effect and learning from mistakes, difficulty changing habits and reading social cues.

If you notice a pattern of these symptoms, it’s time to talk to your pediatrician about having your child evaluated for ADHD. You can do this at your doctor’s office or with a referral from the school.

Your child’s doctor will look at your child’s medical history, family history and other factors to determine if there is a diagnosis of ADHD. They may also need to order a physical or a neurological exam.

Your child’s doctor can then recommend treatment for the disorder. This can include medication, behavioral therapy, a combination of both or other types of treatment. It is important to find a treatment that works for you and your child.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose. It can involve a variety of symptoms and conditions, and it can overlap with other mental health problems or physical illnesses. This makes it even more difficult for doctors to make a correct diagnosis.

A doctor must take the time to talk with you and your child, as well as your family and teachers about symptoms at a very deep level to get an accurate diagnosis. They also need to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as learning disabilities, mood and anxiety disorders, and other comorbidities.

Your child’s doctor may start the diagnosis process with a clinical interview to gather your medical history and evaluate the symptoms they see in your child. They may also use symptom tests to help confirm the diagnosis.

Then, they will ask you about your child’s behavior in school and at home. This includes questions about how they handle tasks or activities that require focus and attention.

In addition, your doctor may order a number of tests to look for any problems that could be related to ADHD, such as brain scans or specialized computer programs to test the child’s attention and impulsivity skills. These tests are important because they help confirm the ADHD diagnosis and identify any other issues that are causing the symptoms.

Treatsments for ADHD

Fortunately, there are many ways to treat ADHD. These treatments can be medication or psychosocial treatment (psychotherapy).

The best medications for treating ADHD work by increasing brain chemicals that affect attention and focus. The most common are methylphenidate or amphetamine-containing medicines. They can be taken orally or intravenously.

They are usually taken once or twice a day. They work quickly and are a safe and effective way to reduce symptoms.

Stimulant medicine can help children with ADHD control their behavior and focus better in school. It can also help them to get along with friends and family.

These medicines are available as short-acting formulas that last for about 4 hours or long-acting formulas that stay in the body for up to 24 hours. They are often used with other medications or behavioral therapy to improve concentration, motivation, and social skills.

There are also nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants. They can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and may be a good choice if stimulants cause side effects or are not appropriate for your health.

Exercise can also be helpful for people with ADHD, as it boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Studies have shown that regular exercise can help improve concentration, mood and motivation.

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD often have problems concentrating, managing their time and remembering what they’ve been told. They may also have trouble getting along with others and managing emotions.

Some adults with ADHD also have mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder. These symptoms can make ADHD worse or cause more impulsive behavior.

People with ADHD are usually “neurodivergent,” meaning their brains were developed differently than those of people who don’t have ADHD. This can be a positive or negative thing, depending on how the person uses their neurodivergence.

In addition, people with ADHD tend to have a higher level of agreeableness than neurotypical adults do. This can help them in work settings and relationships.

The good news is that many of the same treatment options used for ADHD in children and teens can be effective in adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can help you learn skills to increase your focus and control your hyperactivity.

Psychotherapy, especially group therapy, can also help you learn how to cope with your ADHD and improve your life. It can also help you deal with other mental health conditions, such as depression or substance abuse. Family counseling can be helpful, too.

ADHD Medication

Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines, help to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are critical to a person’s ability to pay attention, focus, and control their impulses.

Taking the right amount of these medicines can improve focus, reduce or eliminate many symptoms of ADHD. They also have a good safety record.

A health care team will start you or your child on a low dose to see how you respond. If they find that medication is helping, they will increase the dosage and monitor how you or your child reacts.

They will also change the formula of the medicine and how quickly it is released into your body so you can get a better, more consistent result. Your doctor may prescribe several different stimulant and nonstimulant medications to try until they find the right combination for you or your child.

Besides medication, people with ADHD may benefit from lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals. In addition, people with ADHD may want to learn coping strategies for avoiding situations that cause symptoms or distract them. They also may need to work with a therapist to develop skills in planning, organizing, and completing tasks.

As part of our Schools in Mind series of expert advice video, Dr. Peter Fuggle discusses how school staff can support pupils who may be dealing with anxiety.

For further resources and information about Schools in Mind please visit d

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