What is ADHD?
ADHD is a disorder that causes problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can cause trouble at school, home and in relationships.
Your doctor or other healthcare professional can make the diagnosis based on symptoms that affect daily life. They usually use a detailed history from parents and teachers, observations of behavior and psychoeducational testing.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is a disorder that starts in childhood. A diagnosis is based on persistent symptoms that occur over time and that are noticeable for at least six months.
In children, signs of ADHD often include problems staying seated and paying attention to things that are important. A child may forget to do homework or have trouble following classroom instructions.
Adults also may experience inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity, both of which are common symptoms of ADHD. This could look like having trouble remembering appointments, completing work tasks on time or keeping track of bills.
Some adults also show signs of ADHD-related anger. For example, they might barge into a room without knocking or yell at someone because they don’t get their way.
If you notice these behaviors in yourself or others, it’s important to know that they aren’t normal — they’re actually a sign of ADHD. They might cause issues in your relationships or at work, and it’s best to address them as soon as possible.
Types of ADHD
The types of ADHD can vary from person to person. This is because the disorder can develop over time and change with age. Nevertheless, the main symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
If you have inattentive type ADHD, you often have trouble focusing on things and find it hard to pay attention. It may also take you a long time to complete tasks.
This type of ADHD is the most common and tends to show up in children. However, it can also be diagnosed in adults.
You are most likely to have this type of ADHD if you meet six of the nine inattentive symptoms listed below.
Your inattentiveness makes it difficult for you to focus on tasks and stay organized, which can cause problems at work or at home. You also might make a lot of mistakes or miss important details when doing something, such as assembling a piece of furniture.
In addition to these symptoms, you have difficulties controlling your emotions and have trouble making decisions. These can interfere with your relationships and lead to social anxiety. Thankfully, there are strategies that can help you overcome your challenges and hone in on your strengths.
Causes of ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can be caused by several factors. Genetics, for example, are known to play a large role in the development of this condition.
The frontal lobe, which is responsible for planning, making decisions, understanding cause-and-effect, and learning from mistakes, is underdeveloped in people with ADHD. This can lead to problems in a number of areas of daily life.
A person with ADHD may have a hard time getting up in the morning, planning out their day, and following up on tasks they have committed to do. They may also struggle to complete tasks that require continuous effort, such as reading or writing.
They often lose things, and make careless mistakes in their school or work assignments. They are also easily distracted and have trouble staying focused on one task.
Adults with ADHD are at risk of health problems because they are more likely to skip doctor appointments or ignore medical instructions. They may also experience a lot of stress due to procrastination and disorganization, which can affect their relationships and cause them to feel anxious or depressed.
Treatment of ADHD is usually made up of a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. These treatments can include psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), behavior therapy, and counseling. Medication is not always necessary, but it can help a person with ADHD focus on their behaviors and improve their daily functioning.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
If you’re worried about your child’s ADHD, you’ll want to talk to a specialist as soon as possible. That way, you can start testing early and help your child get the treatment they need before the disorder interferes with school or relationships.
In diagnosing a child for ADHD, a doctor will look at your child’s symptoms and their behavior. They’ll also ask questions about your child’s past and present problems, and may conduct a physical examination.
Symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity that have been present for more than six months are considered criteria to diagnose ADHD. These include a need to be “on the go” all the time, blurt out answers before others have finished talking, and interrupting or intruding on people.
For adults and adolescents 17 and older, only five of the symptoms are needed to make a diagnosis. However, symptoms can look different at those ages, so it’s important to meet with a doctor for a complete evaluation.
A good doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and the ways they’ve impacted your life. They’ll ask you to fill out a symptom checklist and interview you and someone who knows you well, such as a spouse or parent. They may also request that you and your loved ones answer questionnaires that are designed to assess for ADHD in adults.
Treatsments for ADHD
There are medications, therapy, and behavior changes that can help people with ADHD. They are usually combined to make a treatment plan that is called multimodal.
Stimulant medicines (methylphenidate, amphetamine) are the most common type of medication used for children and adults with ADHD. These drugs can help improve concentration and impulsivity, among other symptoms.
They can also be used to treat some other conditions in adults with ADHD, such as anxiety or sleep problems. Non-stimulant medications, such as viloxazine (Qelbree), clonidine and guanfacine, can be used for people with ADHD who don’t respond to stimulants.
Some patients may need to try a few different medicines before finding the right one for them. Your doctor can decide which medicine to prescribe based on your symptoms and your medical history.
When taking ADHD medications, you should let your doctor know if you have any side effects. They might lower your dose or stop the medicine if you get any that don’t go away after a few days or weeks.
Other treatments for ADHD include psychotherapy and parenting skills training. These therapies can help parents learn to understand and discipline their child’s behavior, and teach them how to avoid or manage negative behaviors that interfere with school work and family relationships.
ADHD in Adults
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects how a person thinks, acts and behaves. It’s not an indicator of intelligence, and many people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and use them as tools for success in their careers and lives.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important to finding the right treatment for ADHD in adults. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause problems in your relationships and in your work, because you’re likely to miss appointments and other commitments that others expect of you.
Adults with ADHD have a mix of behavioral traits that can range from inattentive to hyperactive to impulsive. The disorder can occur in any age, but it typically starts in childhood and continues into adulthood.
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD must have five or more persistent symptoms of inattentiveness or hyperactivity and impulsivity that occur in two or more settings (such as home, school or work). These symptoms interfere with functioning at work, school or home and reduce the quality of life for the person with the disorder.
For adults, medications can help with inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They are usually given in combination with psychotherapy or a variety of other strategies, such as behavior management. These medications can include amphetamine-based medicines, methylphenidate, bupropion and atomoxetine.
ADHD Medication
Medications can help improve attention, reduce hyperactivity, and decrease impulsive behaviors. They don’t cure ADHD, but they can make a big difference in your daily life.
The most common types of medications for ADHD are stimulants, which work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. There are a variety of these drugs, including Adderall, Ritalin, and Focalin.
Long-acting stimulant drugs, like Vyvanse, are more effective than short-acting versions because they last longer in the body. Doctors may prescribe these for children and adults who need symptom control for more than 12 hours.
Some people with ADHD also take antidepressants to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. These medications usually contain norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists.
Side effects of these medicines include tics, upset stomach, sleep problems, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to tell your doctor right away.
The first treatment for ADHD is often a combination of medication and behavior therapy. This includes parent training in behavior management for younger kids and other types of behavioral therapy and school interventions for older children and adolescents. It also involves making a habit of healthy habits like exercise, mindfulness practice, and limited screen time.