What is ADHD?

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common and serious disorder that affects many children, adolescents and adults. Without treatment, it can lead to serious problems with school performance and social relationships.

Symptoms of ADHD can include problems with paying attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also include daydreaming, trouble finishing tasks, problems with organization and poor time-management skills.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a common disorder that causes problems with attention and hyperactivity. It mainly affects children, but some adults experience symptoms of ADHD as well.

Symptoms of ADHD can be grouped into two main types: inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Inattentiveness looks like trouble focusing, completing tasks or getting organized.

Hyperactivity-impulsivity consists of excess fidgeting and restlessness. It also includes impulsive behavior, such as interrupting or running away from others.

It is important to recognize the signs of ADHD early on. It can help you find the right diagnosis, treatment plan and support.

In addition to diagnosing ADHD, doctors may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. A psychologist will conduct a thorough evaluation and make a diagnosis.

Many people with ADHD have other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. If you have other mental health issues, your doctor may recommend a different approach to treating the ADHD symptoms.

Types of ADHD

People with ADHD can have one of three different types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, or combined type.

Having a clear understanding of what type you have helps to separate the symptoms from your personality. This can help to stop you from being labeled as “lazy” or “stupid.”

Inattentive type ADHD typically presents with symptoms of inattention. This means they have trouble staying focused, following instructions, and organizing their tasks. They also struggle with working memory and have problems completing tasks and activities without making careless mistakes.

This type of ADHD is more common in children and adults. They are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli and are often forgetful about everyday tasks, such as keeping up with bills or paying a child’s lunch.

They may also be impulsive, often interrupting others and blurting out answers to questions. They may also lose things, such as their cellphone or keys. This type of ADHD is more recognizable in children than adults, but it can also be diagnosed in adulthood.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a complex disorder caused by a combination of genetics, environment and brain differences during key moments in development. The exact causes of ADHD are not known, but they include differences in how the brain processes dopamine and noradrenaline, which lead to problems with attention, focus, impulse control and problem-solving skills.

A child’s ADHD may run in the family — a child with ADHD has a 1 in 4 chance of having a parent with it. It’s also likely that another close family member, such as a sibling, will have it as well.

Children with ADHD often have other co-existing disorders, such as oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, anxiety or depression, tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, substance abuse or sleep disorders. These co-occurring conditions can make it more difficult for them to manage their ADHD symptoms and may affect their academic and social life.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for adults with ADHD to feel their best and function at work, home and in their community. Poor quality sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, so it’s important to have a regular bedtime and get up at the same time every day.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have six or more of the symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is used by healthcare providers around the world. These symptoms must also have been present before a person turned 12 years old and have caused significant problems in at least two settings (home, school or social situations).

If a child’s diagnosis is made, the doctor will also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These include mood disorders, learning disabilities or other health issues.

The most important part of the diagnosis process is looking at a child’s behavior, said Jaksa. For example, if a child’s schoolwork isn’t up to par, the doctor will review the student’s report cards and interview teachers about their rating scales.

A good doctor will try to interview a family member as well, so that they can get a better idea of what your child’s behaviors were like when they were young. This information can help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis.

Most doctors skip some parts of the evaluation, such as asking about other health or psychiatric problems. This is called “drive-thru” evaluations and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Treatsments for ADHD

There are many treatment options for ADHD, ranging from behavioral intervention to prescription medication. It is important to talk with your doctor about which treatments are right for you or your child.

Stimulant medications are the most common type of medication prescribed for children and adults with ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of the brain’s neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help with concentration, focus and impulsivity.

Non-stimulants are also a common form of medication used to treat ADHD. They can help with attention and focus, but they take longer to work than stimulants.

They may be recommended if a person has an allergy to stimulants or is not responding to them. They are safer than stimulants and may be less likely to cause addiction.

Some people use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, dietary supplements, meditation and yoga. While these treatments have not been proven to be effective for ADHD, they may improve a person’s overall health.

Counseling is another option for treating ADHD. It is usually provided by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other medical provider.

Counseling can help you understand and change the negative beliefs, emotions, behaviors and thoughts that are causing your problems. It can also help you build healthy relationships and teach you practical skills for coping with your symptoms.

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD have many of the same challenges as children, but often with more subtle symptoms. They may have trouble staying organized, completing tasks on time or remembering appointments. They also may have difficulties with career or financial issues due to ADHD.

Diagnosis of ADHD in adults is usually made after a careful clinical interview. This interview usually delves into the individual’s social, emotional and academic history. It can also include interviews with the person’s immediate family members or significant others, if available.

It is important for the clinician to get a thorough understanding of the patient’s life experience. They need to be able to assess how the patient has impacted other people’s lives, what they have accomplished in the past and where they are now.

A doctor will also take a look at the patient’s medication regimen. This is critical because a number of medications used to treat ADHD can cause negative side effects that affect mood, memory and cognition.

Treatment for ADHD often includes therapy, which can help patients develop skills to manage their ADHD. They might learn how to better organize their work, use time more effectively and avoid impulsive behaviors.

ADHD Medication

There are a variety of ADHD medications that can help control symptoms. They include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin) and amphetamines (brand names Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse).

Stimulant medications can help control the symptoms of ADHD in children and adults. These work by increasing the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

They have been used successfully for many years to treat ADHD. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and headaches.

Long-acting stimulants are the most effective medicines for treating ADHD. They stay in the body for up to 12 hours and help you concentrate throughout your school or work day.

Doctors prefer to prescribe longer-acting formulations as they have a lower potential for misuse. They also allow you to take less medication and reduce the risk of side effects.

Non-stimulant medications can also be effective for some people. They increase the levels of norepinephrine in the central nervous system but don’t have the same high risks as stimulants. They can take a few weeks to start working, but they can help improve your attention, focus and impulsivity.

Your healthcare team may recommend a combination of medicine and other therapies. These may include psychoeducation, behaviour therapy and family support.

https://medbusiness.net/what-is-adhd-23/

Marijuana is the common term for cannabis that is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. This plan has hundreds of chemicals in it called cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that we’ve studies are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and cannabidiol or CBD. THC has mind altering properties and CBD does not.

The reason cannabis has an effect in the body is that cannabinoids are neurotransmitters or chemicals that affect the activities of nerves. We make our own cannabinoids called the endocannabinoid system. The two endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol.

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Castillo PE, Younts TJ, Chávez AE, Hashimotodani Y. Endocannabinoid signaling and synaptic function. Neuron. 2012;76(1):70-81. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2012.09.020.


Hillard CJ, Beatka M, Sarvaideo J. Endocannabinoid Signaling and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. Comprehensive Physiology. 2016;7(1):1-15. doi:10.1002/cphy.c160005.

Adolescent use and lower IQ
Meier MH et al, Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2012;109(40):E2657–E2664

Increased risk of psychosis in people already at risk of psychosis
Nehal P. Vadhan, Cheryl M. Corcoran, Gill Bedi, John G. Keilp, Margaret Haney. Acute effects of smoked marijuana in marijuana smokers at clinical high-risk for psychosis: A preliminary study. Psychiatry Research, 2017; 257: 372

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