What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health problem. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

ADHD is caused by brain differences that affect how the brain works. These differences occur in the frontal lobes, caudate nucleus, and cerebellar vermis.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a mental health condition that affects children and adults. It is a brain-based disorder that is most often caused by genetics, but can also be caused by certain environmental factors.

When symptoms aren’t addressed in childhood, they can cause problems throughout a person’s life. These include issues with relationships, careers, education and other activities.

People with ADHD typically have a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. The inattentive symptoms may look like difficulty paying attention to a task, forgetting important information or making careless mistakes.

The hyperactive-impulsive symptoms can look like leaving the classroom while a teacher is talking, interrupting others or impulsively jumping into things without thinking first.

Adults with ADHD can have the same inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms as children, but might also have fewer or less severe symptoms as they age.

If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of ADHD, talk to your doctor. They can do a thorough evaluation and make a diagnosis. Then they can work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. The treatment plan can involve a team of professionals, including your primary care provider, psychiatrist and psychologist.

Types of ADHD

Depending on your type of ADHD, there are several different types of medications and treatments you can use to manage your symptoms. These treatments target specific chemical messengers in your brain, which help regulate behavior and control impulses.

For example, for inattentive ADHD, you may need a medication that boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that promote attention. Your doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you improve your focus and control your behavior.

In addition, knowing your ADHD type can help you separate yourself from comments like “lazy” or “stupid,” which are often made about people with this condition. These labels can cause undue shame and can prevent you from getting the treatment you need.

Inattentive ADHD is the most common type of ADHD and is characterized by problems with attention and distractibility. This type of ADHD is usually referred to as “ADD” or attention deficit disorder.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a brain disorder that affects about 1.8 million Canadian children and adults. It causes problems with attention, impulsivity and activity. It’s mostly inherited and is triggered by genetics, but can also be influenced by environmental factors or certain brain changes during key moments of development.

Many people with ADHD have trouble focusing on things that require sustained attention, like studying or talking to people. They’re also more likely to get distracted easily.

If your child has ADHD, you may be able to help him or her by teaching them ways to focus on things. This could include establishing regular routines for eating, sleeping and other activities.

In addition, you can help your child develop good social skills by interacting with them often and encouraging positive interactions with peers. This can help them learn how to adjust to change and respond to stress.

You can also help yourself manage the impact of your symptoms on your life and relationships by getting support from a counselor or therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy7 and other types of counseling can improve your coping strategies, including ways to handle time, money, work and interpersonal relationships more effectively.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is usually diagnosed by a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. A child’s history from their parents and teachers, observations of their behavior and psychoeducational testing are used to make the diagnosis.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), lists symptoms that can help providers diagnose ADHD. These include problems paying attention, fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet, leaving their seat in school or not listening to instructions when they’re expected to.

Some children are mainly inattentive, meaning they don’t act hyperactive or impulsive. They may sit quietly in class and appear to be working, but they’re not really focusing on their homework.

Others have both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Their symptoms are worse at home and in social situations, causing problems with their schoolwork and other daily activities.

Providers use a combination of standardized behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether a child meets the criteria for ADHD. They may also administer psychological tests that look at working memory, executive functioning, visual and spatial skills or reasoning skills.

Treatsments for ADHD

If your doctor diagnoses you with ADHD, treatment options include medicine and therapy. Medication can help you concentrate better, feel calmer, and learn new skills. Medication may also help you reduce your impulsiveness and anger.

Medication works best when it’s combined with therapy and parent support. Your doctor will work with you to decide on the right dose and time of day to take your medication.

Stimulant medications are the most common type of ADHD medicine, and they help by increasing brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. They also reduce impulsiveness and make people feel less anxious.

They can also increase heart rate and blood pressure slightly, but this is not dangerous. The doctor will monitor your body and adjust your medicine dose, if needed, until you get the results you want.

Side effects of stimulant medicines are usually a temporary problem, and they go away on their own after a few weeks or months as your body gets used to the medicine. Some of the most common side effects are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping.

Your doctor will prescribe a low dose of medication to start and ask you and your parent to watch and see how it works. If a side effect doesn’t go away, they’ll try lowering the dose or stopping that medicine and trying another.

ADHD in Adults

Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be much more subtle than those seen in children. They can also be accompanied by other problems or conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and learning disabilities.

To diagnose ADHD, your health care provider or mental health professional will need a thorough evaluation that includes looking at your behavior patterns in several settings, as well as a detailed interview with you. You will also be asked to complete psychological tests that look at working memory, executive functioning (ability to plan and make decisions), visual and spatial skills and reasoning skills.

Your doctor or mental health professional may also ask you to participate in behavioral therapy to help you change your habits and behaviors and learn methods of reinforcing desired behavior. In addition, your doctor or mental health professional may prescribe medications to treat your ADHD symptoms and comorbid conditions.

Stimulants are the most common treatment option for adult ADHD. They increase norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving focus and attention and reducing impulsivity. They are often used in conjunction with a nonstimulant medication. In addition, antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are sometimes prescribed for people who do not respond to stimulants or have adverse reactions.

ADHD Medication

There are a variety of ADHD medications on the market that can help treat the symptoms of this disorder. They can improve a person’s ability to pay attention, slow down and have more self-control. They can also be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms for longer periods of time.

Stimulant medications, which are the most common type of medicine prescribed for ADHD, work by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They come in short-acting or long-acting dosages and can be taken several times a day.

They may cause side effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, but these aren’t life-threatening and can be easily managed with small changes in dose or dosage schedule. If you take stimulants, be sure to get regular checkups for any underlying heart problems.

Non-stimulant medications, which are less commonly prescribed than stimulants, include atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) and certain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin). They work by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They aren’t as effective at treating symptoms, but they can be a good choice for people who can’t or don’t want to take a stimulant medication or for those who have intolerable side effects from stimulants.

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There are some types of ADHD such as inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and combined. Dr. Yadira Torres, Psy.D., Psychologist & Clinical Associate with Child Psychology Associates, explains each one and also affirms symptoms are appearing at a young age as three years old.