What is ADHD and How Can it Affect You?
ADHD is a condition that affects the way your brain works. It causes problems with attention, focus and impulsivity.
It is most common in children and adolescents. It can cause serious problems in your child’s life and their schoolwork, relationships and health.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
If you have ADHD, it can be frustrating and challenging to live your life. It can lead to problems at work and school, in your relationships, and with friends.
The signs and symptoms of ADHD vary from child to child. The most common symptom in children is hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may fidget, talk a lot, or run around the room without looking where they’re going.
In adolescence, the hyperactivity symptom often subsides. But the impulsivity symptom may still be an issue. They might not wait for their turn in a game or may hit or steal from another person.
Similarly, adults with ADHD are often late to meetings or events, forgetful about assignments, or struggle to complete tasks on time. They can also be messy and disorganized.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, it is important to seek help from a professional who can diagnose the disorder and provide treatment. Medications can help alleviate some of the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is a complex disorder that affects many people, and there are different types. Knowing about the different types can help you identify strategies that may work best for you.
Inattentive type ADHD is the most common form of ADHD and is typically seen in children. It involves difficulty paying attention and not following instructions.
For instance, a child with inattentive ADHD might doodle or study a book while a teacher is asking about homework. Or, they might have trouble paying attention while watching a movie.
They may also lose things, like their phone, keys, project notes or wallet. This can cause frustration for both the child and their parents.
Hyperactive and impulsive type ADHD is less common, but it can also be a problem for adults. It often occurs together with mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
Adults with this type of ADHD tend to be more inattentive and have impulsive behavior. This can be hard for their friends and coworkers to understand.
Causes of ADHD
Many factors contribute to the development of ADHD. While genetics are the most obvious, toxins and infections during pregnancy, brain damage, and stress from birth or early life can all be contributors as well.
An underdeveloped frontal lobe is one of the major causes of ADHD, impacting the ability to understand cause-and-effect, change habits, and read social cues. This is why it is so important for children with ADHD to have plenty of opportunities for exercise and social interaction, such as sports or music lessons.
Other causes include brain injury or stroke, tumors, or disease. These conditions can also lead to problems with attention, impulse control and motor activity.
Identical twin studies have shown that ADHD is highly heritable. This means that both identical and non-identical twins have a higher chance of developing the disorder than does someone who is not genetically related to someone who has it.
Some researchers have also argued that environmental factors can be contributing to the development of ADHD. For example, sugar is a common suspect, but it does not have the same effects on someone with ADHD as it does on an average child.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose ADHD, healthcare professionals must use the criteria in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This standard helps ensure that people receive appropriate treatment for their symptoms.
During a consultation, doctors will likely assess a child’s behaviors and activities. They may also interview parents and other family members. The doctor will also ask the patient to describe their symptoms and provide evidence of those symptoms in everyday life.
The doctor will then use a checklist and rating system to determine the extent of symptoms. These tools allow doctors to distinguish between minor problems and more serious issues that could impact an individual’s school, social or work life.
If you are worried that your child is displaying ADHD symptoms, talk to the teacher or their special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or GP. They can make a referral to an ADHD specialist for further testing.
Children with this type of ADHD typically have trouble focusing, finishing tasks and paying attention. They are easily distracted and forgetful, often daydreaming or losing track of their homework or cell phone.
They may also be impulsive and hyperactive. They run about or climb where they shouldn’t and often have trouble playing quietly. They also blurt out answers before a question is finished, have trouble waiting for their turn or interrupt others in conversations and games.
Treatsments for ADHD
Stimulant medications are the most common ADHD treatment and are effective in about 90% of patients. They are a good choice for most children with ADHD because they are safe, cost-effective and easy to take (Greenhill 2001).
Short-acting stimulants start working in less than an hour, but they require taking the medication 2 to 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants are also effective in treating ADHD, but they have a longer half-life and need to be taken around the clock.
In addition to medications, many patients also benefit from psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help a person with ADHD learn new behaviors, develop strategies for handling challenges, and increase self-esteem and motivation.
It can also help with the relationships between ADHD patients and their spouses. Involving spouses in therapy can reduce blaming of the patient for their behavior and increase their understanding of the disorder.
The combination of medication and psychotherapy is often the best approach for treating adults with ADHD. The goal of a good treatment plan is to improve the patient’s functioning at work and at home.
ADHD in Adults
If you’re an adult and are having difficulty focusing, staying organized, or managing your time effectively, chances are you have ADHD. And that can have wide-reaching consequences.
Many adults are diagnosed with ADHD later in life because they don’t recognize their symptoms as a disorder, thinking that their chronic difficulties are caused by another condition. This is called underdiagnosis, and it can have a negative effect on the person’s self-esteem and confidence.
Fortunately, a diagnosis of ADHD in adults can provide a lot of relief. It shows that you are not to blame for the problems you have, and it can help you take control of your life.
A professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker, will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you have ADHD. The evaluation will involve looking at your medical and developmental history, asking about any signs of ADHD, and completing behavioral rating scales or symptom checklists.
Your health care provider will also consider your comorbid conditions, which are disorders that can affect the treatment of ADHD. These include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Medications for these comorbid conditions may influence the response to stimulants for ADHD.
ADHD Medication
The right medication for you or your child can help control ADHD symptoms. Your doctor will carefully monitor your or your child’s progress and side effects to ensure the drug is effective and safe.
Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin and Concerta), and dextroamphetamine (brand names Adderall) are the most common types of medicines used for ADHD. They increase the levels of norepinephrine in your brain, which helps you focus and pay attention better.
They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can cause side effects, such as restlessness, nervousness, fatigue, and a headache. They can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, but these changes are usually minor and not dangerous.
You or your child may have to try several different stimulant and nonstimulant medicines before you find the one that works for you. This is because people respond differently to these medications.
Medications can be used along with behavior therapy to improve the effectiveness of treatment for ADHD. This is called a combination therapy. It’s often the best way to treat the condition.
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