What is ADHD?

What is ADHD? thumbnail

what is adhd

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a chronic mental health condition. It causes problems with focus and can make it difficult for people to stay organized, complete tasks and have good relationships.

Symptoms are usually noticeable before age 12 and may continue into adulthood. Doctors diagnose ADHD using the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

If you are struggling with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity and think you may have ADHD, get help immediately. These behaviors can make it difficult to focus on work, school, or other activities and can lead to frustration and problems with relationships.

Symptoms of ADHD often change as people age, but it is important to understand that they can persist into adulthood and affect everyday life. In young children, hyperactivity-impulsivity is the most prominent symptom, while in elementary school, inattention becomes more noticeable. In adolescence, hyperactivity might lessen but symptoms may still include inattention and impulsivity.

These behaviors can make it difficult to focus on schoolwork, homework, chores, or other activities. They also can result in sloppy work, messy rooms, and failure to complete tasks on time.

The signs and symptoms of adhd can look different for each person, but most people have at least one of these. A child or teen must have six or more of these symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis.

Many of the signs and symptoms of ADHD can be normal for a child if they occur at various times, but they must happen frequently and interfere with daily life. A child who does not pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes on their homework, in school, or at work is most likely suffering from ADHD.

Types of ADHD

People with ADHD have trouble paying attention and performing tasks. They often lose track of time and forget important tasks, like paying bills, sending out birthday cards, or attending a meeting with friends.

Inattentive type ADHD, also called ADD, is the most common form of ADHD. It causes difficulty focusing and attending to tasks, and often leads to impulsive behavior. It’s a condition that can be life-threatening, especially for children.

Adults with inattentive ADHD can also be easily distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds. They may regress to playing video games or watching television instead of doing their work.

They can also be prone to losing things, such as their car keys or cell phone. They might also find it difficult to stay focused in the classroom, especially when other students are trying to learn.

A doctor might diagnose a child with inattentive ADHD if they exhibit six or more symptoms from one of the lists below. In addition, the symptoms must be noticeable for at least six months in two or more settings.

Physicians typically use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They can also ask a patient to fill out a behavioral rating scale or conduct an interview.

Causes of ADHD

It isn’t clear which genes cause ADHD. But research shows that some people with ADHD have a gene called DRD4.

However, there are also many environmental factors that can contribute to the development of the disorder. These include prematurity, low birth weight, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, and other stressors during childhood.

Some experts believe that the brains of children with ADHD aren’t developing normally. This can lead to problems with coordination and impulsivity.

The brain also doesn’t produce enough dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is needed to control movements and focus. When dopamine isn’t produced, kids can’t sit still or focus for long periods of time.

As a result, they are easily distracted and become fidgety and impatient. They may interrupt and grab things, make bad choices, and act in ways that aren’t safe.

If you think your child may have ADHD, talk to a doctor about it. This will allow you to find out what is causing it and develop treatment options. Your doctor will help you create a plan to manage your child’s symptoms and prevent them from becoming worse in the future.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

If you or your child have been experiencing problems that seem to have nothing to do with your lifestyle, it’s a good idea to get a diagnosis. Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals can make a diagnosis of ADHD based on a person’s symptoms, which are defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

In general, children who have ADHD must have been diagnosed before age 12 to be considered for a medically supervised treatment program, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. They also need to have symptoms that are present in at least two settings.

A doctor may look for these symptoms in the child’s school and home environment, according to NIMH. He or she also needs to be sure that there aren’t other health or learning issues causing the problems, such as oppositional defiant disorder, poor attention span, and mood and anxiety disorders.

The doctor will check to see if any of the child’s symptoms are present in other areas, such as social relationships, and with friends or relatives. These people can help the doctor compare and contrast how the patient behaves in different situations.

When the doctor does make a diagnosis of ADHD, it will usually be accompanied by medication, behavior therapy and counseling. The therapist will help the child develop skills that may have been lost, such as self-control and time management.

Treatsments for ADHD

Treating ADHD requires a combination of medication, therapy and behavioral measures. Medication can help manage the symptoms of ADHD while behavioral treatment can help teach people with ADHD to change their behavior and build self-esteem.

Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. These drugs work by boosting the brain’s levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters. They also can help relieve impulsivity, especially when combined with other therapies.

The right medication and dose will depend on your age, weight, height and other health conditions. Your doctor will monitor your response to the drug and adjust your dose if necessary.

Children often improve with stimulant medication in conjunction with behavioral interventions, such as those taught by psychologists and psychiatrists. These techniques include setting targets for specific behaviors and using rewards and consequences to encourage desired changes in behavior.

Your child’s pediatrician or other medical professional can recommend a specialist who specializes in ADHD. Ask for references and check their credentials thoroughly before choosing a provider.

Medication, therapy and behavioral methods are the most effective ways to control the symptoms of ADHD. Combining them is the best way to ensure symptom relief.

ADHD in Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects the ability to focus and pay attention. It is a condition that affects both children and adults.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often experience difficulty in a variety of areas, including work, school, and relationships. They may feel they have no control over their lives and find it difficult to get organized, stick to a schedule, and remember to keep appointments.

The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a clinical evaluation by a health care professional. It includes a history of symptoms, mental-status tests and a review of early development problems that might have contributed to the development of ADHD.

It is also important to consider comorbid conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders, which can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These comorbidities should be carefully evaluated and treated as needed, since they can interfere with medication response for ADHD and lead to worsening of a patient’s other medical and psychological symptoms.

Treatment of ADHD in adults involves both medication and psychosocial therapy, which focuses on managing the effects of the disorder and helping the patient manage their behaviors and improve their quality of life. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds, are the most effective medications for treating the symptoms of ADHD in adults.

ADHD Medication

There are several medications that have been proven to help with ADHD symptoms. These include stimulants (such as Ritalin and Adderall) and non-stimulants (such as Strattera).

Stimulant medications have been used for decades to treat ADHD, and they are effective for about 70% to 80% of people with the condition. They work by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that fuel your attention, concentration and motivation.

Many stimulants have mild, short-lasting side effects and are well tolerated by most patients. They can be prescribed for children and adults.

Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed, and you or your child will need to see your doctor for regular check-ups. The dose of your medication and the schedule will need to be adjusted over time to ensure that you or your child is getting the most benefits from the medication and minimizing side effects.

Some of the most common side effects with stimulant medications are drowsiness, upset stomach, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and not dangerous, but you should tell your doctor if you have any heart problems or any history of high blood pressure or fast heart rate before taking stimulants.

This is the 2nd of 5 video’s where i share 125 of my best tips, tricks, and productivity hacks for getting my ADHD reWired.
Video 2: Strategies 15 – 43
Time Management, Scheduling, Remembering, Sleep

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *