What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that affects about one-third of school-aged children. It can cause significant problems for the child and his or her family.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is important for ADHD treatment. It can help the child and his or her family find effective ways to manage symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

The signs and symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person, but generally include some combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In children, inattentiveness may look like problems paying attention to detail or staying focused. They also may have trouble remembering or following directions.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity can look like running into the street without looking, jumping up and down, or talking too much in class. People with these behaviors often interrupt others and push or grab objects. They may have a hard time waiting their turn in games or be unable to make and keep friends.

Many adults with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can look like or be mistaken for ADHD symptoms, causing a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Getting diagnosed and starting treatment early can help kids overcome their symptoms and lead healthier, more productive lives. It can also help parents learn how to manage their child’s behavior and improve relationships. It can also help teachers and school staff understand how to best support a student with ADHD.

Types of ADHD

ADHD is a brain disorder that affects how you pay attention, sit still and control your behavior. It can affect children, teens and adults. The condition can be hard to diagnose, but if you spot symptoms early and get treatment, it may be possible to manage the disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association has defined three main types of ADHD in adults, each with its own set of symptoms. These are inattentive type, hyperactive and impulsive type, and combined.

Inattentive type ADHD is characterized by trouble paying attention and being focused. These individuals often make careless mistakes and can be easily distracted by external stimuli.

This is the most common type of ADHD. They are usually able to focus on their tasks for short periods of time, but they have difficulty paying attention over longer periods of time.

Hyperactive and impulsive type ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and restlessness. These symptoms are noticeable in both children and adults, but they tend to be more pronounced in younger children.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child’s behaviors must appear before age 7 and persist for at least six months in two or more settings, such as school or home. They must also create a real handicap in one or more areas of their life, such as schoolwork or social relationships.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a brain-based disorder that affects the function of certain areas of the brain. These areas are responsible for controlling and coordinating functions involved in information processing. When these areas are affected, people with ADHD have trouble paying attention and completing tasks.

Children with ADHD often have problems in school and at home. They may also have emotional or behavioral issues. These problems can affect their relationships and social life.

Research shows that if children are diagnosed early, they can learn how to control their symptoms and improve their lives. The earlier ADHD is treated, the better.

Symptoms of ADHD usually appear by age 7 but they may appear earlier or later. They can include hyperactivity, impulsiveness or inattentiveness.

The main risk factors for ADHD are genes and non-genetic factors, such as prenatal exposure to toxins (for example, lead) or smoking during pregnancy. In addition, ADHD can be caused by significant head injuries.

Many people with ADHD have a family history of the condition. About 1 in 4 children with ADHD has a parent or sibling who also has the disorder.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Sometimes children are very young when they start to show signs of ADHD. It’s normal for little kids to be distracted, restless, impatient, or impulsive, but these behaviors don’t always mean that they have ADHD.

Doctors diagnose ADHD based on clinical guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These standards are used by health care professionals to make sure that people get the treatment they need.

During an evaluation, a doctor will ask you and your family to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms. They’ll also talk with you about your history and personal circumstances.

Then, they’ll review your report cards and other records of school events to see if ADHD is the right diagnosis for you. They may also speak to your teachers or other adults you know.

In adults, the criteria for diagnosing ADHD are slightly different from those used to diagnose children. For example, for a diagnosis of adult ADHD, only 5 symptoms are needed instead of 6. This can make it harder to find the right combination of symptoms to fit an adult’s present and past presentations of ADHD.

Treatsments for ADHD

There are many treatments for ADHD, including medications, behavior therapy and counseling. These methods can help relieve some symptoms and may even cure the disorder in some cases.

Stimulant medicines are the most common treatment for ADHD, and they work by increasing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually work quickly and are effective in improving the signs and symptoms of attention and hyperactivity.

Medications come in many forms and are used to treat adults, children and teenagers. Some are immediate-release (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and some are modified-release (small doses taken once in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day).

Medication can cause side effects, such as weight loss, trouble sleeping, stomach problems, and agitation. Your doctor or nurse will monitor these and adjust the dose if needed.

Other treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy and parent training. These therapies teach people with ADHD and their families to change habits that cause problems.

Other therapies, such as meditation and relaxation techniques, have also been shown to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with the condition can find relief from stress by using yoga and other calming exercises.

ADHD in Adults

Adults diagnosed with ADHD may have trouble managing their daily lives, work, and relationships. Their hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity can make it difficult to complete tasks on time or follow through with plans.

If you are an adult with ADHD, you can find a variety of treatments that will help you get your life back on track. These can include medications, psychotherapy, and classes that teach you to better manage your behavior and increase your ability to focus.

People with ADHD are “neurodivergent,” which means that their brains were developed differently than those of people without the condition. This makes them more likely to experience the symptoms of ADHD.

They may also have problems controlling their emotions or making decisions that are best for them. These behaviors can strain relationships and lead to problems with a partner or friend, and can cause serious stress for the individual.

Some of the most common medications used for adults with ADHD are methylphenidate (Ritalin), atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. The drugs can reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they can also have side effects, such as mood lability or insomnia. If you have any questions about the medications you are taking, talk to your doctor.

ADHD Medication

ADHD medication can help children and adults manage their symptoms by improving attention, impulsivity, and behavior. However, it doesn’t cure the disorder and a person’s symptoms may return when medication stops.

Your health care team will decide which medicine is best for you based on your medical history, how well it works, and any side effects you may experience. They may prescribe a low dose of a stimulant medicine and watch you carefully for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Most medicines for ADHD are stimulants, which increase activity in the brain. They also boost levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.

Stimulants come in short-acting and long-acting forms and can be taken as a tablet, capsule, liquid, or patch. Methylphenidate is the most common stimulant used to treat ADHD.

A variety of other medicines are available to treat ADHD, including nonstimulants and certain antidepressants. These medicines work slower than stimulants, but can be helpful if stimulants aren’t safe for you or cause serious side effects.

Choosing the right drug can be difficult. Some people respond better to long-acting formulations, which build slowly in the bloodstream and wear off gradually. This minimizes “ups and downs” caused by fluctuating levels in the bloodstream and reduces the risk of a rebound effect, where symptoms return when the drug wears off.

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