What is ADHD?

Lawrence Taylor - CBD Oil & Pain Relief Cream Bundle - 45% OFF

what is adhd

What is ADHD?

If you’ve been having trouble paying attention, staying on task or being hyperactive or impulsive, you may have ADHD. But what exactly is this condition?

Doctors can diagnose ADHD by assessing a person’s symptoms, doing a physical exam and reviewing a person’s medical history. They may also do tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a mental health disorder that causes problems with paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can lead to a variety of issues, including poor performance at school or work, difficulty managing relationships and financial issues.

The symptoms of ADHD can be challenging, but they don’t have to keep you from reaching your goals. Adults with ADHD can benefit from a variety of treatments, such as behavioral coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups and medication.

Medications that increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine are the most common type of treatment for ADHD. These medications reduce symptoms in 70-80% of children with ADHD, but they may cause side effects and require careful monitoring by the doctor.

Nonstimulants, which take longer to start working than stimulants, may also be effective. These medications may be prescribed when a person has trouble with side effects from stimulants, when they didn’t respond to a stimulant, or to help manage ADHD symptoms while waiting for an effective medication.

Symptoms of ADHD are more difficult to pinpoint in adults than they are in children. This can make it more difficult for people to get diagnosed. Women with ADHD may experience different symptoms than men, and they are more likely to have inattentive symptoms.

Types of ADHD

People diagnosed with ADHD can have one of three types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined. Each type of ADHD is characterized by a set of behavioral symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that physicians use to diagnose the condition.

Inattentive ADHD is the most common type of ADHD. Children and adults with this type of ADHD have trouble paying attention or remembering details, often making careless mistakes at work or school.

They may have a difficult time completing tasks on schedule, such as sending birthday cards or meeting with friends for lunch. They may also struggle to organize their calendars and make lists.

These people also have difficulty staying seated and tend to fidget or move around uncontrollably. They may blurt out answers or interrupt others, take over activities, or act out when they feel frustrated or anxious.

This type of ADHD is more recognizable in children and men, but it can be diagnosed in adults as well. Adults with this type of ADHD may have a hard time finishing a project or taking an important phone call, and they often run out of energy during the day.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It also has been linked to certain conditions during pregnancy, including low birth weight, premature birth, and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or smoking.

Researchers believe that the symptoms of ADHD are caused by differences in how parts of the brain communicate and work together. This can cause problems with attention, impulse control, and motivation.

Doctors use a series of signs and symptoms to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms must be persistent and disruptive enough to interfere with daily activities and affect relationships with others.

Psychiatrists follow guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to make a diagnosis. They also consider other factors that can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood or anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

Treatments for ADHD typically involve medication, therapy, and behavior changes. Behavioral therapy, which involves teaching people with ADHD how to focus their attention and change behaviors that distract them, is often the most effective treatment.

Doctors also sometimes prescribe stimulants, which act by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that help nerve cells communicate and work more effectively. These drugs are controlled substances, and people who have high blood pressure, glaucoma or other conditions should talk to their doctor about taking them.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD is diagnosed by a trained healthcare provider who looks for persistent and disruptive symptoms that start before age 12. The symptoms need to be causing problems in more than one setting, like at home, at school or with peers.

The doctor might ask you questions about your behavior and how it affects your daily life, and might also give you a checklist to bring to school so teachers can track your behavior. The doctor might also do a health check to make sure that another health or learning issue isn’t causing your symptoms.

Depending on the type of ADHD, the doctor might use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria are designed to ensure that children with ADHD receive an appropriate diagnosis.

A child with hyperactive-impulsive type shows six or more of the following nine symptoms. They fidget, run about or climb where they shouldn’t, squirm frequently, blurt out answers before others finish their questions, have frequent trouble waiting for their turn and interrupt other people’s conversations or games.

Adults with ADHD often have comorbid conditions, such as anxiety or depression, that can be made worse by untreated ADHD. But a diagnosis can help them better understand why they struggle, so they can change their habits and take steps to manage their symptoms.

Treatsments for ADHD

Fortunately, the right treatment can improve symptoms of ADHD and help people with this condition lead better lives. The best treatments for ADHD include medication and psychosocial therapy.

Medication has been used to treat ADHD for many decades and works for about 70% to 80% of people with the disorder. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, work by increasing the production of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Non-stimulants, such as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, may also help with some symptoms. They have less side effects than stimulants and work for about 30% to 40% of people with ADHD.

In addition to medicines, other treatments for ADHD include behavioral therapy, social skills training and family counseling. These interventions are often provided by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker.

Counseling can help adults with ADHD cope with their problems and reduce depression and anxiety. It can also improve relationships and communication between spouses. The goal of counseling is to develop positive behavior patterns that will allow patients to live productive and satisfying lives.

ADHD in Adults

ADHD is a mental health condition that usually appears during childhood, but symptoms often continue into adulthood. It is estimated that between 2.5% and 6.76% of adults have ADHD.

People with ADHD may have subtle differences in their brain structure that make it harder for them to manage executive functions, such as planning and organizing. This can make it difficult for them to get things done on time.

They may also have difficulty with attention. This means they can forget things or miss important appointments. They may also underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete tasks, which can lead to missing deadlines.

These difficulties can be challenging, as they can often affect relationships with friends and family members. If these issues are left unresolved, they can lead to frustration, anxiety and depression.

If you have ADHD, it’s important to speak with a doctor to learn more about the condition and receive a diagnosis. This can help you to find the right treatment plan and behavioral therapies that will improve your quality of life.

It is also helpful to address any co-existing conditions, such as mood disorders or substance use. These may be addressed through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance-commitment therapy or other skills that are useful in managing anxiety and depression.

ADHD Medication

The right medicine for you or your child can help boost attention, self-control, and other ADHD symptoms. However, it does not cure the condition.

Stimulants, which increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, are the most common ADHD medications. They are usually prescribed for children and adults who have moderate to severe ADHD.

Nonstimulants, which work slowly, are another option. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine.

People respond to stimulants differently, so a doctor may need to try different medicines and doses to find the best fit for you or your child. It can take a few weeks or months to find the right medication, dosage, and schedule for you.

Some stimulant drugs are long-acting and work for up to 12 hours. Some of these, like Concerta and Jornay PM, have a sponge on the bottom of the pill that helps them last longer.

Other stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are short-acting and work for up to 5 hours. They are often taken in the morning or evening.

The combination of medication and behavioral therapy can help children and teens manage ADHD symptoms, improve relationships with family and others, and learn skills for managing stress. This treatment is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

We’ve talked about it, now let’s be about it! If you feel like the time is right to explore how ADHD coaching can improve the quality of your life, then let’s put my education to the test.
I am working towards becoming an accredited ADHD Coach through the Attention Deficit Disorder Coaching Academy (ADDCA). Although i am still early in my studies, I am now required to begin coaching clients. I couldn’t be more excited to expand the offerings of ADHD is the New Black. To learn more, email me at [email protected]

Spaces are limited to 12 clients who are serious about getting their ADHD under control.

End Child Anxiety

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

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