What is ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder that affects the way people pay attention and behave. This can lead to problems at school, in relationships and at home.

It is important to get a diagnosis of ADHD early so you can get the treatment you need. Often, the condition is treated with medication and therapy.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. These may involve problems paying attention to things that are important, staying seated or organizing things in your work or home life.

People with inattentive symptoms are easily distracted and often forget tasks or obligations. They can also have a hard time staying focused on tasks for long periods of time or underestimate how much time they need to complete a task.

For the most part, kids with ADHD are more restless than hyperactive, but some children can be both. For instance, they might squirm around their seat in class, wiggle their feet or touch everything and talk incessantly.

Older adolescents and adults with ADHD often have hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms, too. They often get frustrated when they can’t keep up with the demands of their job or school, so they can be more impulsive.

In this situation, they might interrupt conversations, try to take over activities or play games without permission. They might also use other people’s things, like toys or electronics, without asking.

If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, it’s always best to seek professional help. The right treatment can improve your daily functioning, reducing the severity of your symptoms and promoting healthy relationships with others.

Types of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects people of all ages. It has many different types and can cause problems with emotions, behaviors, and executive function skills.

Symptoms can range from short attention span and being easily distracted to disorganization, procrastination, and daydreaming. Treatments include medications, stimulants and nonstimulants, or a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

ADHD symptoms occur across racial and ethnic lines, and are more common in boys than girls. Children who have a family history of ADHD are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

The diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of symptoms that interfere with the child’s ability to manage daily activities and interact with others. A detailed medical and developmental history can help determine whether or not the child has ADHD.

There are three main types of ADHD: hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive, and combined. The inattentive type of ADHD affects 4% to 12% of children. This type of ADHD may be diagnosed later than hyperactive-impulsive or combined type.

Causes of ADHD

The exact causes of ADHD are not known, but researchers are working hard to learn more. Many factors may contribute to its development, including genetics, environmental risk factors and problems at key moments in the brain’s development.

Toxins and infections during pregnancy and head injury may also play a role in developing ADHD. Some people develop the disorder because they have problems with neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain.

Adverse social and family environments are also associated with the occurrence of ADHD. These include poverty, bullying or peer victimization, negative parenting, and family dysfunction.

These disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms, so patients with a history of any of these conditions should be carefully evaluated for the presence of ADHD. They should also be referred for further evaluations or treatment as necessary.

Some medications and drugs can lead to ADHD-like symptoms, so patients who are currently taking these medications or have a history of severe drug abuse need to be evaluated for their potential impact on the condition. Other medical conditions that can mimic ADHD include developmental disorders, seizure disorders (petit mal), sleep apnea, hearing and vision problems, thyroid disorders, and lead poisoning.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

A child can be diagnosed with ADHD only if he or she meets all of the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). For example, a child must have six or more symptoms, at least some of which are present before age 12 and that significantly interfere with his or her functioning or development.

ADHD is a hereditary disorder, so children who have parents with the condition are more likely to develop it as well. Several non-genetic factors, such as poor birth weight and exposure to toxins, may also contribute to the development of ADHD.

If a child has a family history of ADHD, the doctor will look for signs of the disorder and may also check for other conditions that could explain the symptoms better.

The doctor will also ask teachers, coaches and daycare providers about the child’s behavior in different settings. The provider will then compare this information with what he or she has learned about the child’s symptoms.

The provider will use the types of symptoms your child displays to diagnose the condition in one of four ways–predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, combined or mixed. The inattentive presentation mainly involves difficulty focusing, organizing and staying on track; the hyperactive/impulsive presentation largely includes impulsivity problems and/or hyperactivity.

Treatsments for ADHD

There are several treatment options available for ADHD, including medications and behavioral therapies. Medication treatments can help people with ADHD focus and control their behaviors, while therapy helps them learn skills to manage the symptoms of ADHD and live a healthy life.

Stimulant medication is the most common form of treatment for ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for regulating the brain’s attention and motivation, as well as boosting mood.

The most popular ADHD medications are methylphenidate and amphetamine, both of which are safe and effective. Methylphenidates are the preferred first-line medication for children and adolescents, while amphetamines are more appropriate for adults.

Long-acting stimulants are recommended over short-acting medications because they have longer half lives, allowing them to work continuously for a longer time. They also are more convenient to take and can be taken as needed rather than three or four times a day like short-acting medicines.

Nonstimulant medication is usually prescribed when a child or adult isn’t able to tolerate stimulants or has side effects from them. These medications include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine.

Psychosocial therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and art therapy can also be helpful for people with ADHD. These therapies help individuals learn to manage their emotions and stress, which can reduce their ADHD symptoms.

ADHD in Adults

If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD, you may find it hard to know how to best manage your condition. But, with the right tools and support, you can find a path that works for you.

ADHD symptoms can affect many areas of your life, from your job and school to your relationship with your family members. Medications, psychotherapy and other conventional treatment approaches can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

Several types of medication are used to treat adult ADHD, including stimulants (methylphenidate or amphetamine compounds). Stimulants improve the absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which leads to better communication between your nerve cells.

In addition to medications, cognitive behavioral therapy can also help you learn skills to control your ADHD symptoms. This type of therapy focuses on changing your thinking patterns, which can help you control your behavior and make healthier choices.

You and your doctor can also discuss other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that you have. This can help your doctor determine if ADHD is the cause of your symptoms or if another disorder is the culprit.

Adults with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as depression or substance abuse. If you have a co-occurring disorder, your doctor may prescribe different medications than if you only have ADHD.

ADHD Medication

ADHD medication doesn’t cure the condition, but it can help improve attention, focus, and self-control. Medicines also may help people learn and practice skills like staying organized, managing schoolwork, and handling stress.

Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin) and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse), are the most common medicines for treating ADHD. They boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.

Short-acting formulas last for up to 4 hours, while long-acting formulas stay in the body for up to 12 hours. The longer the drug stays in the body, the more effective it is.

Other types of medications for ADHD include non-stimulants. These are prescription drugs that don’t have the abuse potential of stimulants and are usually safer to use.

Non-stimulants take more time to start working than stimulants, but they can work for up to 24 hours. They include atomoxetine (Strattera) and clonidine (Kapvay).

Before prescribing an ADHD medicine, the health care team will ask about other medicines and supplements you or your child are taking. They will also check your family’s medical history to see if any of your or your child’s other health conditions might be impacted by ADHD medication.

http://adhdinadults.com/ Learn how healthcare professionals can better educate their patients about Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and how to facilitate the conversations surrounding ADHD from Anthony Rostain MD/MA, the Medical Director for the Penn Medicine Adult ADHD Program. Rostain offers doctors and/or PCPs guidance on how to educate patients about adult ADHD and set them up for successful treatment.

When discussing ADHD for the first time with a patient, the doctor should help the patient identify some of their strengths as well as their weaknesses as they relate to ADHD. Highlighting positive characteristics helps give patient hope and reminds the patient there is support available for managing their disorder. Encouraging patients to learn about changes in their home environment and providing other strategies for patients to cope with ADHD is also encouraged.

Doctors should discuss expectations regarding treatment options early. In order to effectively do so, physicians should be aware of the prescription options available for treating patients (stimulants and non-stimulants). Healthcare professionals should also know about local cognitive therapy resources that are available to help patients manage their ADHD.

One kind of barrier that patients may have is overcoming behavioral problems, such as procrastination. Another barrier is a lack of confidence, due to the interference ADHD has had over the course of the patient’s life. These barriers can result in compensatory strategies that can interfere with coping strategies. Cognitive therapy can help patients reduce symptoms and improve functioning without medication and knowing its advantages is important to counseling patients.

For more information on how to educate patients about ADHD, visit
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What It’s Like Living with ADHD
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Inside the adult ADHD brain
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Adults with ADD
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3 Quick Steps to Stop Negative Thinking Now! | CYBCYL with Daniel Amen and Tana Amen
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https://medbusiness.net/what-is-adhd-29/