What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

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what is adhd

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that causes problems with attention and self-control. It can affect children, teens and adults.

ADHD can make it hard to stay focused and organized, and it can affect relationships. But with treatment, people with ADHD can get better control over their symptoms and improve their lives.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD is a brain disorder that affects how you pay attention, sit still, and control your behavior. It can be diagnosed in children, teens, and adults.

In children, symptoms of ADHD usually appear during the preschool years. They may include problems paying attention or staying organized, excess fidgeting or restlessness, trouble with self-control, and impulsive behaviors (such as slamming doors, running away, or throwing things).

Many of these signs and symptoms happen from time to time in all children, but they cause more problems for those with ADHD. They can also interfere with learning, social relationships, and daily life.

Unlike many other childhood disorders, ADHD is not prevented or cured. However, it can be managed and treated with help from a medical professional and behavioral therapies.

Adolescents and teenagers who have ADHD often struggle with peer pressure and difficulty regulating their own behavior. They are at risk of academic failure or delays, driving problems, difficulties with peers and social situations, and risky sexual behavior.

Having a diagnosis of ADHD is helpful for everyone, but it can be especially useful for children and teenagers who have symptoms that are disrupting their lives. It can help them to manage their symptoms and better understand what makes them unique.

Types of ADHD

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has defined three types of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. These subtypes are referred to as presentations, and they’re outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):

Inattentive ADHD presents with symptoms of a lack of focus and attention. This may include trouble organizing tasks and activities or being easily distracted.

It’s also common for people with this type of ADHD to lose needed items, such as books, pencils, tools, wallets/purses, keys, paperwork and even eyeglasses. They often forget to do things like do chores or run errands, return phone calls or keep appointments.

Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD is characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity. They often have a hard time controlling their behavior, and they frequently engage in disruptive behaviors, such as interrupting others or talking over them.

They also may squirm or fidget excessively, or leave their seat in the classroom or workplace when it’s expected to remain seated. They’re also prone to running, climbing and jumping.

The APA defines the three subtypes of ADHD as inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. Each of these presentations has different characteristics and causes, so knowing what each looks like can help you and your child or teen better understand their condition and pursue an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It can impact your life in virtually every area, from your work to your relationships with friends and family.

ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral intervention, and counseling. It is important to work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.

The most common treatment is a combination of medications and behavioral therapy. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine, can help manage symptoms of ADHD by stimulating the brain’s neurotransmitters. Atomoxetine and antidepressants can also be used to treat symptoms of ADHD.

Some people may not respond to these treatments, or they may have serious side effects. If this is the case, other medicines, such as those that don’t boost the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, may be used instead.

Another cause of ADHD is the presence of other mental health conditions. Psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, are very common in those with ADHD. Mood and antisocial personality disorders are also common.

Some other causes of ADHD include head injuries, prematurity, and exposure to toxins during pregnancy. These factors can make it difficult for a child to develop the necessary skills and abilities to function normally in school and in life.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

If you have questions about whether your child has ADHD, the first step is to talk with a health professional. Your doctor will use the DSM-V as a guide for asking you and your child about their symptoms and how they affect your life.

Your doctor may do a physical exam and a review of your child’s medical history to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. Your doctor will ask you to complete a questionnaire, scales and other forms that describe your child’s behavior patterns.

In addition, your doctor will talk with your child’s teachers and other adults who know them well. This information can help your doctor determine if the symptoms are consistent with ADHD and help determine how severe the disorder is.

A psychiatric evaluation will include a full psychiatric examination, assessment of behavioral and emotional issues, and review of your child’s psychiatric history and family history. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and other tests, like screening for hearing, vision, motor skills, and intelligence.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist paediatrician or child psychiatrist if the condition is severe. This type of professional has the expertise to diagnose ADHD and treat it properly, including medication. They also can help you with other mental health conditions that often co-exist with ADHD, such as anxiety and mood disorders.

Treatsments for ADHD

There are a number of different treatments available for ADHD. Some of them are based on medication, while others involve psychotherapy or skills training.

Stimulants (medications that increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the brain) are the most common type of treatment. They can help with focusing and attention, as well as reduce some of the impulsive behaviors that people with ADHD are known for.

Antidepressants (drugs that improve mood) are also sometimes prescribed for children and adults with ADHD. They can be taken along with stimulants or used in place of them, depending on the individual’s needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful for adults with ADHD as well. It teaches patients how to control their impulses and to change negative thinking patterns.

Counseling for adult ADHD usually focuses on time management and organizational skills, impulsivity, problems with relationships, academic success, and self-esteem. It can also include classes on conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Support groups can also be beneficial for both adults and children with ADHD. These groups can be found in person or online and are a great way to connect with other people who share your experiences with ADHD.

Other therapies that have been tried for ADHD include complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. These include massage, vision training, special diets and supplements, electroencephalogram biofeedback, and applied kinesiology.

ADHD in Adults

Symptoms of ADHD in adults tend to be less severe than those seen in children. But they can still cause serious problems if left untreated. Adults with ADHD often have other behavioural health and mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety.

While the exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, stress, other mental health conditions and physical illnesses can all cause symptoms similar to those seen in people with ADHD. This is why it is important to get a diagnosis for ADHD from a medical or mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing ADHD in adult patients.

One of the most common signs of ADHD is a difficulty with concentration and attention. Combined with procrastination and difficulty with organization, this can make it difficult for people with ADHD to complete work or projects on time.

If you are experiencing problems with your concentration and attention, ask a doctor about prescription medication for ADHD. Stimulants can help improve focus and energy, but remember to take them as directed to prevent unwanted side effects.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for many adults. It can help them see that their difficulties are not a result of weakness or character flaws, but rather a problem with their brains. It can give them hope that they can overcome their challenges and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

ADHD Medication

There are many different types of ADHD medication that can help improve attention, concentration, and self-control. Medicine isn’t a cure for the disorder, but it can help most people stay focused longer, listen better, and fidget less.

Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. They work by increasing activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour. They come in two main groups: immediate-release stimulants (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release stimulants (taken once a day in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day).

Non-stimulants also help improve attention. These medicines include atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv).

Methylphenidate, a type of stimulant medicine, is available in both immediate-release and modified-release forms. It’s prescribed to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 with ADHD.

These medications may cause side effects like loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, jitteriness, irritability, and headaches. These effects usually go away after the body adjusts to the new medicine.

Methylphenidate and methylxanthines are regulated as Schedule II drugs by the Drug Enforcement Administration. They have a risk of abuse, and the FDA recommends that they should be taken only under a doctor’s supervision.

As much as my meds help me, it’s a battle to remember to do all the things I need to do to be able to take them: sign up for health insurance, pay my bill, make a doctor appointment, GO to that appointment, get my prescription, find a pharmacy that can fill it, remember to pick it up before it closes, remember to bring my ID so they’ll let me…

So when I miss a step and find myself without my meds, it’s easy to wonder…are they really necessary?

This is what happened when I forgot to pay my health insurance, stopped taking my medication for two weeks and tried to learn how to live without it.

Please share — because the stigma is real, and no one should have to feel ashamed for getting the treatment they need just because their disorder is mental rather than physical, invisible rather than obvious.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s time we acknowledge that.

*NOTE* — I do not recommend going off medication without a doctor’s supervision. A medical professional should be accessible to troubleshoot problems. If you can’t reach your doctor, talk to a pharmacist.

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