What is ADHD?
If a child has trouble paying attention, listening in school, or controlling their emotions and behavior, doctors can help. They start by doing a health check to make sure another problem isn’t causing the symptoms.
For example, she might knock over the display at the ice cream shop because her frontal lobe development is slower than normal.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
It’s normal for kids to be restless, forgetful or impulsive — but when those symptoms occur frequently and cause problems at home, school or work, it may indicate ADHD.
Kids with the inattentive type of ADHD have trouble paying attention, sitting still or following directions. They have ten thoughts at once and misplace things easily. They get in trouble with teachers and parents for not finishing assignments or obeying rules. They have difficulty with relationships and may have a hard time keeping jobs.
Children with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD talk a lot, are unable to wait their turn in games or conversations and often interrupt others. They fidget, have trouble sleeping and seem always “on the go.” They are prone to accidents, injuries or trouble at school.
Kids with the combined type of ADHD exhibit both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. They forget important things, have trouble with schoolwork or work tasks, and are prone to anger and temper tantrums. They have a difficult time staying organized, have trouble with money management and are unable to keep their room clean. They are prone to physical activity and struggle with self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. These symptoms also can be caused by learning disabilities, psychological disorders such as anxiety or depression, and stressful life events, including divorce, job loss or death of a loved one.
Types of ADHD
People with predominately inattentive ADHD have trouble paying close attention and often miss important details. They are easily distracted by irrelevant events or impulses and tend to make careless mistakes at work or school. They often forget things, such as their car keys or sports equipment. They also have trouble sitting still during class or a lecture, and they often daydream, fidget, or lose their place while reading or writing. They may also have trouble finishing tasks or keeping their house in order.
Those with predominately hyperactive-impulsive ADHD act as if they’re driven by a motor. They can’t sit still for long, and they often interrupt others or speak out of turn. They are more likely to be boys than girls.
Combined ADHD refers to cases where the person displays symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Before a doctor can diagnose ADHD, he or she must complete a detailed evaluation. This will involve interviews with the patient, a family member, and teacher or coworker. The doctor must then decide if the child or adult has six or more ADHD symptoms and that these symptoms interfere with the person’s life. The symptoms must also be present before the age of 12 and not better explained by another mental health disorder.
Causes of ADHD
There is no single cause of ADHD. It is believed that genetics and environmental factors both play a role in developing the disorder. Certain brain chemicals that help transmit signals between nerve cells may be altered in people with ADHD. Children with ADHD are also more likely to develop other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders. There is also a possibility that certain medications and foods can contribute to symptoms of ADHD.
Children with ADHD often have trouble concentrating on tasks that are boring or repetitive. They also have trouble following instructions that require careful thought. They tend to make careless mistakes in school or at work. Their impulsivity can lead them to interrupt others, invade other people’s space or ask tactless questions. Their self-control is less developed than other kids’ and they find it harder to resist temptation, such as eating too much sugar or watching TV.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must demonstrate six or more of the symptoms listed above in two or more settings and have them interfere with their daily functioning at home and at school. For older teens and adults, the symptoms must have been present before they were 12 years old and can’t be better explained by another condition.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
It’s important to get a diagnosis so that you or your child can receive accommodations at school or in the workplace. You can find a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist who specializes in attention deficit disorder through your insurance company or by asking for recommendations from family and friends. Some primary care doctors also diagnose ADHD. Before booking an appointment, ask if the doctor has experience with ADHD.
A professional will evaluate the symptoms and review information from your child’s teachers, caregivers, and parents. They will likely also do a physical, screen for learning disabilities, and order a blood test. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must demonstrate at least six symptoms and have them present in more than one setting. They must also have had the symptoms before the age of 12.
The hyperactive/impulsive presentation of ADHD usually affects younger children and involves fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, having a lot of excess energy and being extremely talkative and interruptive. This type of ADHD also makes it hard for kids to wait their turn during games and in conversations. They can also blurt out answers before questions have been fully asked and have trouble waiting for the things they want.
Treatsments for ADHD
The main treatment options for ADHD are therapy and medication. Behavioral therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms by teaching them coping skills and improving communication. Medications can ease the effects of ADHD in children and adults by controlling the activity levels of certain brain chemicals. There are two types of medications used to treat ADHD: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines, which increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Nonstimulants include atomoxetine and bupropion, which affect the levels of norepinephrine in the body.
A combination of treatments is typically most effective. Medication manages brain-based functions and symptoms while psychotherapy addresses daily thoughts, behaviors and coping strategies. Support groups and classes can also be helpful for individuals with ADHD.
Kids with ADHD can improve when they follow a regular schedule and routine, get enough sleep and exercise, seek face-to-face social support, and eat a healthy diet. However, it’s important that they avoid foods that may worsen their symptoms. Talk to your doctor before trying any dietary changes or supplements for ADHD. They can provide you with information on safe and effective treatments.
ADHD in Adults
Many people with ADHD have co-existing conditions that can also impact their behavior and performance. Common co-occurring disorders include oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, anxiety or other mood disorders, Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, substance abuse, and learning disabilities. It is important to get a complete diagnosis and treatment plan that takes all of these conditions into consideration.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can make it challenging to maintain relationships, stay on top of work or school demands, and keep up with daily household chores. For some, these symptoms can lead to frustration and shame that can cause them to avoid or deny a diagnosis.
It is especially crucial to obtain a proper diagnosis for ADHD in adults because undiagnosed ADHD can have serious consequences throughout the course of a person’s life. For example, when an adult goes untreated, they may be unable to manage the overwhelming demands of a career and family, which can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It can also contribute to problems at work, as they may have difficulty completing tasks on time and often leave projects unfinished. However, when diagnosed and treated properly, an adult with ADHD can have a fulfilling and rewarding life.
ADHD Medication
Stimulant drugs have been used for decades to treat ADHD in children, teenagers and adults. They work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behaviour. The most commonly used stimulant medicine is methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Daytrana). It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or as modified-release pills that release the medication over several hours. Doctors may adjust the dose or dosage schedule depending on your child’s age, needs and reaction to the medicine. They will also monitor your child’s heart rate and blood pressure to make sure that the drug is safe for them to take.
Some children with ADHD also have a coexisting condition, such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, counseling may help to improve both the ADHD and the coexisting disorder.
Most children and teenagers who start taking a stimulant drug need regular appointments with their healthcare provider to check how well the medication is working. They will usually fill out behavior rating scales, observe the child at school and at home and monitor their height, weight and heart rate. Children and teenagers who take non-stimulant ADHD medicines, such as Strattera, atomoxetine or guanfacine, may need regular appointments with their healthcare provider to check the level of the medications in their bodies and watch for side effects.
