What is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, chronic condition that affects many people. It can cause problems at school, home and in relationships.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is the first step toward managing symptoms. Treatment may include medicine or therapy. It’s best to ask your doctor about what ADHD treatment is right for you.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
The signs and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can look different for each person impacted. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward recovery.
Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention in the classroom or other settings where they need to sit still, listen and follow instructions. This isn’t because they don’t want to learn; it’s because their brains aren’t wired to do this.
They may also struggle to organize their schoolwork or their schedule. They tend to bounce from one activity to the next without finishing what they’re doing.
These symptoms can be accompanied by impulsivity, which can make them act out of impulse, such as jumping or banging into things. This behavior can be hard on friends or classmates, but it can also put themselves in danger.
For kids, this can mean they get into trouble at school and at home for not following rules. Parents can help their child by setting clear expectations and rewarding good behavior. They can also encourage physical activity to improve focus and concentration.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is a broad diagnosis that includes all the symptoms of inattentive behavior, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can affect people of any age and in many different ways.
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but current research shows that people with the condition have low levels of dopamine in their brains. When a person has low dopamine levels, it can lead to problems with attention and concentration.
Some experts believe that the causes of ADHD are genetic. They also believe that it can be caused by environmental factors, such as stress and other emotional or behavioral issues.
Another important factor that can help a child learn to manage their symptoms is maintaining a regular routine and schedule. These are simple things that most children take for granted, but for someone with ADHD, they can be a lifesaver.
For example, if you have a child with inattentive type ADHD, they might procrastinate or be unable to complete tasks like homework or chores. They might also have problems organizing their work or making careless mistakes.
A person with hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD often feels the need to move around constantly. They might squirm or struggle to stay seated and may act as if they’re “driven by a motor.” This behavior can be disruptive at home, at school, or at work.
Causes of ADHD
ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects the parts of the brain responsible for focus and attention. It’s a chronic condition that affects a person’s behavior and ability to function in daily life.
The causes of ADHD are not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Some studies have found that up to 80 percent of the variation in ADHD traits is due to genetic factors.
Other research shows that maternal stress and smoking during pregnancy can raise a child’s risk of developing ADHD, but it is not clear if these are the causes or if they make the condition worse.
Children with ADHD often have a harder time learning and organizing tasks than other kids their age. Their schoolwork is often messy, they tend to shift from one task to another and they have trouble following directions or doing tasks with a great deal of concentration.
They may also forget things that need to be done, such as their wallet or phone. They may fidget or squirm when they are nervous, they may run around excessively and they may take over activities that others are doing.
While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, it appears to be a brain-based disorder that affects people of all ages. It is a chronic condition that requires medication and behavioral therapy to treat.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ADHD involves a combination of information gathered from multiple sources, such as schools, parents and caregivers. The doctor must also consider the possible presence of other health conditions or learning problems that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD, as well as a person’s past medical history and mental health records.
Using standard guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5), healthcare professionals diagnose children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. Symptoms must be present for at least six months and meet the criteria of one of the two main categories: Predominantly inattentive or predominately hyperactive-impulsive, or both types together.
Some people have both, but most people have only symptoms of inattentiveness. The diagnosis is based on how many inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors are present and how these symptoms interfere with daily life, schoolwork or work.
Adults who have ADHD have trouble focusing, prioritizing and controlling impulses, which can make it difficult to complete everyday tasks. They also may have mood changes and outbursts of anger or anxiety.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will probably recommend a treatment plan that includes medicine and behavior therapy. These treatments can help you learn to control your emotions, improve social and behavioral skills and manage stress.
Treatsments for ADHD
ADHD is treated through a combination of medication, behavioral therapies, and parent support. This approach has been proven to be the most effective in treating children and adolescents.
Medications treat most of the symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These medications work by increasing the brain’s levels of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter).
Stimulant meds have been used for decades to treat ADHD, but they can have unpleasant side effects for some people. Other treatments, like psychoeducation and behavior therapy, also help improve symptoms of ADHD.
The choice of which type of medicine is right for you depends on your symptoms and other factors, including your age, weight, and medical history. Your care team will talk with you about the options and find the best one for you.
For some patients, stimulants are the first-choice treatment. They may be given as a single dose, or they may be taken at regular intervals throughout the day for an around-the-clock effect.
Non-stimulant medications are a less-effective option for ADHD, but they can be a good choice for patients who do not want to use or cannot take stimulants. These medicines, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv), work by raising the levels of norepinephrine in your brain.
ADHD in Adults
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect adults of all ages. People who have ADHD often experience many of the same symptoms as children, but they are more difficult to recognize.
The most common symptom of ADHD in adults is inattentiveness. This means that you are having trouble focusing on things around you, such as conversations with other people or work tasks.
Another common symptom is hyperactivity or impulsiveness. If you are constantly jumping up and down, running or chasing after something, or rushing through your work, it could be a sign of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are also at increased risk of having other psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety. This is because ADHD can cause frustration, frustration can lead to mood difficulties and frustration can make it harder for people to manage their anxiety or depression.
Treatment for ADHD can include medication, psychotherapy and a combination of both. Therapy can help a person develop ways to deal with frustrations, increase self-control and cope with emotional stress. It can also help a person understand what is happening to them and find ways to change their behaviors so they can live better.
ADHD Medication
Medicine doesn’t cure ADHD, but it can help most people with the disorder pay attention longer and have more control over their behaviors. It can also help make it easier to get along with others and to keep up with school or work activities.
Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (brand names Adderall, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), are commonly prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. They increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which are important for controlling impulses.
Many patients report that their social relationships improve when they begin to manage their symptoms with stimulants. Some may even be able to listen to entire songs without skipping or watch a movie in a theater seated for the first time.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, can also be used to help with the symptoms of ADHD. They work slower than stimulants do, but can still be effective in some cases.
The right ADHD medication, dosage and schedule depend on the needs of each individual patient. It can take some trial and error to find the right mix of drugs that work for each person’s unique body and brain. Your doctor will be able to provide information on what works best for you.
